Mikel Arteta has received two key messages surrounding Arsenal, transfers and their strategy in the wake of the Gunners’ FA Cup exit at Southampton
Mikel Arteta’s approach has been slammed
As the dust settles on yet another disappointing result for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has come under intense scrutiny.
The Gunners’ stunning 2-1 loss to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals represented their second cup elimination in consecutive matches. There were alarming indicators for the Gunners as sloppy defensive work enabled the Saints to secure a dramatic late triumph. Any expectations that Arteta’s squad would recover following their Carabao Cup final loss to Man City prior to the international break appeared to be misplaced.
The north London outfit cannot afford to dwell on their recent setbacks, though, as they gear up for a vital Champions League quarter-final clash against Sporting CP on Tuesday. Now, Daily Star Sport examines two of the latest news developments concerning the Gunners.
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Mikel Arteta criticised for ‘nervous energy’
Theo Walcott directed criticism towards Arteta after Saturday evening’s defeat by highlighting the manager’s “nervous energy.” Both the Gunners chief and his team in recent seasons have faced accusations of failing to deliver when the pressure mounts, reports the Mirror.
The loss to Southampton has heightened those concerns, with some fearing their lacklustre performance could seep into and disrupt their Premier League title chase. Ex-Arsenal star Walcott, also a former Saimts player, believes the Spaniard’s sideline behaviour isn’t helping.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “They have to not let the season run away from them. Everything they have built this season, don’t let it affect them. They have been in this situation before and they don’t want to relive that.
“Visually watching Mikel on the sidelines, it was elements of previous years where that energy reflected into the team. It was a nervous energy, it was very tense.
“Not just Mikel but a lot of the staff were out there at times. It was like too many cooks in the kitchen, too many messages. Play your best team was the right thing to do tonight. It’s easy if I say that now, but you want a reaction off the cup final and it wasn’t that tonight, it was worse.”
Julian Alvarez transfer chatter ‘crossing the line’
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo lambasted the Spanish press over the weekend for their incessant conjecture about Julian Alvarez’s summer move. Alvarez is reportedly being targeted as a crucial acquisition by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.
But, speaking ahead of Atletico’s La Liga loss to Barcelona, Cerezo hinted that Alvarez might stay at the club next season, having a swipe at the assembled press along the way.
He said: “You are crossing the line a little with (questions and reports about) Alvarez. He’s an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”
Barcelona proceeded to claim victory, with Robert Lewandowski – the very player Alvarez would be tipped to succeed should he make the move – netting a late winner from the bench.
Argentina international Alvarez has notched 17 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, catching the eye of several of Europe’s elite clubs in the process.
Atletico are believed to have slapped a £129million valuation on the 26-year-old.
