The Case for Patience: Why Arteta’s Arsenal Rebuild is Far From Complete

In the ever-polarizing world of football fandom, few topics spark as much debate as the progress of Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal. The fallout after Arsenal’s first-leg Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Newcastle was a prime example. Social media, particularly X, was awash with the predictable chorus of critics calling for Arteta’s ouster, citing his perceived failures as proof he’s not the man for the job. But are these calls for change justified, or are they yet another example of the impatience that pervades modern football discourse?

Critics argue that, five years into his stewardship and with over £700 million invested, Arteta has failed because the club has yet to secure the Premier League title. Such claims, however, often lack nuance and ignore the complexities of rebuilding a team to compete consistently at the highest level. Let’s delve into the facts to understand why labeling Arteta’s reign as a failure is not only premature but also shortsighted.

A Broken Arsenal: What Arteta Inherited

To fully appreciate Arteta’s journey, it’s crucial to contextualize the state of Arsenal when he took over. In December 2019, the club was adrift in mid-table, plagued by poor performances, a divided dressing room, and a squad filled with aging players on inflated contracts. Years of mismanagement had left Arsenal a shadow of its former self.

Arteta inherited issues that went beyond tactics. The culture at the club was in disarray, with a lack of accountability and cohesion both on and off the pitch. While the FA Cup victory in 2020 was a testament to Arteta’s ability to galvanize the team, it was also a band-aid over deeper systemic problems that required more than a quick fix.

The Financial Reality: Spending with Purpose

The oft-quoted figure of over £700 million spent during Arteta’s tenure is used by critics as a stick to beat him with, but context matters. Much of that spending was directed toward rebuilding the foundation of the squad. The likes of Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, and Martin Ødegaard represent long-term investments in a younger, more cohesive team.

Importantly, this expenditure was also accompanied by a significant overhaul of the roster. Arsenal offloaded high-earners who no longer contributed meaningfully, such as Mesut Özil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. These moves weren’t just about balancing the books—they were necessary steps to reset the culture and create a squad aligned with Arteta’s vision.

Progress Is Measured in More Than Trophies

While trophies are the ultimate benchmark in football, progress can’t be solely defined by silverware—especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League. Arsenal’s rise from eighth-place finishes to genuine title contenders in the 2022/23 season demonstrates a significant upward trajectory.

That said, it’s fair to acknowledge that this season’s performances haven’t quite matched the heights of the last two years. Yet, despite this dip, Arsenal remain firmly in the title race, a testament to the foundation Arteta has built and the resilience of the squad.

Under Arteta, Arsenal’s style of play has transformed into a dynamic, attacking philosophy that’s once again exciting fans and neutral observers alike. The team’s ability to compete toe-to-toe with the likes of Manchester City—widely regarded as the best team in the world—underscores the progress made.

The Klopp Parallel: Success Takes Time

Comparisons with Jürgen Klopp’s early years at Liverpool offer valuable lessons. Unlike Arteta, Klopp inherited a team that was already further along in its project, with a clearer foundation to build on. While significant investment was made under Klopp, Liverpool’s ownership also understood that success would take time and wasn’t an inherent right. Their patience and faith in Klopp’s vision allowed him to reshape the team, develop players, and ultimately deliver consistent success. Similarly, Arsenal’s ownership has backed Arteta’s long-term plan, recognizing that sustainable triumphs require a combination of investment, vision, and trust in the process. Importantly, Liverpool’s owners showed patience, recognizing that sustainable success requires time to build.

Arteta’s trajectory mirrors Klopp’s in many ways. Both managers focused on cultural overhauls, squad rebuilding, and tactical identity. Just as Liverpool’s patience paid off, Arsenal’s decision to back Arteta could yield similar long-term rewards.

Why Knee-Jerk Reactions Could Undo Progress

Sacking Arteta now, as some critics suggest, would risk undoing years of progress. Football history is littered with examples of clubs that pursued short-term fixes at the expense of long-term stability—Chelsea’s recent struggles being a prime example.

Arsenal’s progress under Arteta is evident in both tangible and intangible ways. From improved performances to the development of players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the foundation for success is firmly in place. Replacing Arteta with a “world-class” manager wouldn’t guarantee trophies; it could just as easily derail the project.

Addressing Common Criticisms

“Five years is too long without a title.”

Rebuilding a team from the ground up takes time, particularly when competing against financially dominant clubs like Manchester City. Arteta’s tenure should be measured not just in trophies but in the tangible progress Arsenal has made.

“Arteta is inexperienced and out of his depth.”

Inexperience doesn’t equate to ineptitude. Arteta’s tactical acumen and ability to manage players have been evident throughout his tenure. Experience is gained over time, and Arsenal’s upward trajectory suggests Arteta is learning and adapting effectively.

“The money spent hasn’t translated to success.”

Rebuilding a squad to compete consistently requires significant investment. Arsenal’s spending has been purposeful, addressing key weaknesses and creating a team capable of challenging at the top level.

The Bigger Picture

Arteta’s tenure should be viewed through the lens of progress rather than perfection. The club has gone from a disjointed mid-table side to genuine contenders, with a young, talented squad playing an exciting brand of football. While the ultimate goal is to win major trophies, the journey matters too. Success built on solid foundations is far more sustainable than short-lived triumphs achieved through knee-jerk decisions.

Conclusion

Critics of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project often miss the forest for the trees. Yes, trophies matter, and yes, Arsenal’s size and history demand success. But success in modern football requires more than just ambition—it requires patience, vision, and a willingness to invest in the long term. Arteta has laid the groundwork for a new era at Arsenal, and dismissing his achievements because the ultimate prize hasn’t been won yet is both unfair and shortsighted.

The marathon isn’t over, but Arsenal is closer to the finish line than it’s been in years. For now, the best course of action is to trust the process and allow Arteta to complete the journey he’s started so well.