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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal suffered another defeat just days after losing to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. |
In the modern world of football, the line between consistency and stubbornness is as thin as a thread. What sets great managers apart is their ability to distinguish when to stick to their philosophy and when to adapt. Mikel Arteta is gradually becoming a victim of his own stubbornness in his coaching philosophy.
The 1-2 defeat against Bournemouth at the Emirates in the 35th round of the Premier League on May 3rd was not just an ordinary loss. This is the reality of Arsenal this season. Arteta's approach to the game – with a lineup almost unchanged from the defeat against PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final – reflects a coaching philosophy that is gradually losing the flexibility necessary for top-level football.
The 21 points lost from leading positions this season are not just a cold statistic. They are the most serious indictment of an Arsenal team lacking the character of a champion. No one can become a champion by constantly squandering victories that are within their grasp. This isn't a matter of technique or tactics – it's a matter of spirit and mentality.
Martin Ødegaard – captain but with only two Premier League goals this season – is gradually becoming a symbol of Arsenal's inefficiency. Reasons like injuries, personal life changes, or a packed fixture schedule are just excuses to cover up a harsh truth: Arsenal lacks squad depth and a Plan B when Plan A fails.
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Martin Ødegaard has only scored 2 goals in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season. |
While Arteta is turning his football philosophy into shackles, Andoni Iraola is demonstrating the value of pragmatism and adaptability. With a squad lacking stars, Bournemouth plays sensible, clean football and knows how to capitalize on every opportunity. They don't need elaborate passing sequences or expensive players – they just need effective solutions.
Antoine Semenyo doesn't need to be Messi to make a difference on the pitch – he just needs to do his job properly. That's exactly what Arsenal are lacking: simplicity and effectiveness. Bournemouth beating Arsenal twice in one season wasn't due to luck, but because they were able to thoroughly exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
Arteta's Arsenal still plays beautiful football, with a philosophy and identity. But top-level football needs more than just beauty – it needs victories. Arteta's "one-size-fits-all" approach is gradually turning Arsenal into a predictable and easily exploited team.
In the last three seasons, Arsenal have repeatedly followed a similar pattern: a promising start, periods of explosive play, but then faltering and collapsing at crucial moments. This is no coincidence, but the inevitable consequence of an inflexible coaching style.
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Arsenal will soon face a very difficult away match against PSG in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. |
Arsenal's Premier League dreams this season have faded, and a do-or-die Champions League battle awaits them in France. But the bigger question is: can Arteta surpass his own previous performances to lead Arsenal further?
To become a champion, Arteta needs to learn to change – not just in the squad, but in his coaching philosophy. He needs to understand that sometimes, sticking to a philosophy isn't the noblest quality of a manager – it's the ability to adapt to the realities on the ground.
Otherwise, the 2024/25 season will just be another sad repetition: an Arsenal that was "almost successful" but could never win the title. And in modern football, "almost" is never enough for a team with the ambition and tradition of Arsenal.
It's time for Arteta to acknowledge his limitations and make changes. Because in football, as in life, those who don't adapt will be left behind by time.
Source: https://znews.vn/arsenal-vo-vun-vi-bao-thu-post1550772.html
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