MIKEL ARTETA OFFERS TO 'SUPPORT' ARSENAL PLAYERS WHO MAKE MISTAKES
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If you thought that the departure of Arsene Wenger in 2018 would bring about the end of the factionalism within the Arsenal fanbase when it comes to taking sides over a manager, you'd be sadly mistaken.
Of course it happens at other clubs but rarely is it so visceral as it sometimes appears at the Emirates.
The 'Arsene Knows Best' and 'Wenger Out Brigade' camps are no more, but slowly there seem to be new battle lines being drawn over support or lack thereof of Mikel Arteta.
Of course, we are yet to see 'Arteta out' banners infiltrating other sports and the campaign stretching across the globe in the same way it did for the club's greatest ever manager in his declining years, but after a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Burnley, the current Gunners boss might start to worry.
The result left the club languishing in 10th place in the league with eleven matches to play - Arsenal's lowest position at this stage of a season since 1995.
However, the camp of Arteta loyalists will point to improving underlying metrics and statistics, imploring others to 'trust the process'.
One defence of the manager from his supporters is the claim he inherited a poor squad from both Wenger and his first successor Unai Emery, and once he has 'his squad' in place Arsenal will fly up the table. Maybe.
"He had a list didn't he, he said they're far, far away from the team he wants," former Gunners defender Martin Keown told BT Sport following the setback at Turf Moor.
"He said, 'I need more quality', so I think better players.
"If I looked at that today, there's maybe four or five in there that are going to be forming the core but the rest maybe need to be changed."
© Getty ImagesPierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring the 3rd Arsenal goal with (L) Granit Xhaka (2ndR) Alex Lacazette and (R) Bukayo Saka during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal FC and SL Benfica at Karaiskakis Stadium on February 25, 2021 in Piraeus, Greece.
Arteta faces a big summer in the transfer market so let's have a look at who might and might not be part of his plans going forward.
Goalkeepers
Bernd Leno - Partially at fault for the Burnley equaliser and has had one of two other hairy moments this season but ultimately a good keeper and one of the 'leaders' in the dressing room. KEEP
Alex Runnarsson - Nightnare debut in the League Cup defeat to Manchester City but looked slightly more assured coming off the bench in the loss at Wolves last month. Nowhere near ready for the first team but no harm in retaining as third choice given his age if a better number two is brought in above him. KEEP
Defenders
Hector Bellerin - Once talked of as a future Arsenal captain, the right-back has looked out of sorts for much of this season as he struggles to adjust to Arteta's strategy. A decent offer should be considered. SELL
David Luiz - For all his faults, he actually plays well most of the time. Yes, really. Unfortunately at 33, time is not on his side and it would make no sense to offer him a new deal when his contract is up in June. SELL/Release
Keiran Tierney - One of the 'core' Keown referred to. Plus the club can save money on tracksuits as he never seems to need one, regardless of the weather. KEEP
© Rui Vieira/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockTierney has been one of Arsenal's best players this season
Rob Holding - Has worked his way into a starting place and although the club might pursue better options, remains a decent squad player. KEEP
Pablo Mari - A left-field signing when he was brought in, the Spaniard looks more comfortable with each performance. KEEP
Gabriel - Only signed last summer and looks a shrewd purchase for the most part when selected. KEEP
Calum Chambers - Feels very much like a backup player for the backup players right now. It might be time to finally cut the cord. Poor Calum. SELL
Cedric Soares - Nothing inherently good or bad about him. Just seems to exist as a run-of-the-mill footballer who fills in when needed. SELL if a good offer comes in.
MIDFIELDERS
Mohamed Elneny - Very much like Cedric but given he plays in a position that requires a lot more, Arteta simply has to look to upgrade. SELL
Granit Xhaka - Too many mistakes, too much of a problem. SELL
Thomas Partey - Last summer's big signing has struggled for fitness but often looked a class above when he plays. The midfielder Arsenal have needed for years. KEEP
Emile Smith Rowe - A gem from the academy who has often looked the best player on the pitch in his few appearances. One to build the team around eventually. KEEP
Bukayo Saka - I'd be shocked if he isn't named Arsenal's player of the season. KEEP
Riess Nelson - One of the Hale End youngsters it hasn't quite worked out for so far. Difficult to see where he fits in. SELL
Willian - You might be surprised to hear that the much-maligned Brazilian actually has more assists than any other Arsenal player this season and has looked 'better' in recent weeks. That said, it's hard to see him improving over the course of his, sigh, three-year deal. Best for all parties to end this experiment quickly. SELL
Nicolas Pepe - The weighty price tag is not his fault but he has delivered far too little in his two years in north London. Impossible to see him suddenly becoming a world-beater but has shown glimpses of being a useful backup option. KEEP
© GETTYNicolas Pepe celebrates scoring the first Arsenal goal during the Premier League match against Southampton
Forwards
Alexandre Lacazette - Still a useful player but having not even hit 50 league goals in nearly four years, another player that Arsenal need to upgrade on. SELL
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Still a dangerous proposition despite having a 'bad' season. Probably has one more year in him but Arsenal should already be considering a replacement. KEEP. for now.
Gabriel Martinelli - Expected to have a big future and could be a major star in years to come. KEEP
Eddie Nketiah - A competent striker with a good career ahead of him but sadly not at Arsenal. SELL
Out on loan
William Saliba - More than anything, people just want to see him in action for Arsenal to make a proper judgement about him. KEEP
Ainsely Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torrieira, Saed Kolasinac, Konstantinos Mavropanos - There's no suggestion that any of these players have a future under Arteta, regardless of talent. SELL