Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be under pressure following the defeat to Man City, according to Bryan Robson. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is under increasing pressure in his position following Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. The Gunners’ advantage at the top of the Premier League has narrowed to just three points, with City also having a game in hand as their domestic struggle continues.
Erling Haaland proved to be a tenacious threat for the North London side, with his goal 20 minutes into the game clinching a crucial three points in the leaders’ clash. Kai Havertz equalized shortly after Rayan Cherki’s opener at the Etihad Stadium, but the German was only able to deflect his header over the bar, squandering a golden chance late on.
The defeat means Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table has narrowed to just three points, and City’s win at Burnley on Wednesday will see Josep Guardiola’s side return to the top of the table for the first time since mid-August.
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Considering Arteta’s future, former Premier League manager Robson, who previously managed Middlesbrough and West Brom, told Bet St George: “When you look at the way Arsenal spent so much money at the start of the season to build up the squad and then added in some good young players who have developed, you don’t know what the hierarchy at Arsenal are thinking.
“But Mikel Arteta will be under some pressure because it’s been a long time since he won a league title.
“I thought if we didn’t win anything this year, there would be some pressure on him.”
In each of the past three seasons, Arsenal have been genuine contenders to win the Premier League. But in two of those campaigns, the Gunners threw away their advantage at the top of the table.
Three years on from the collapse of the title race, Arsenal must rediscover their form and hope City fail if they are to avoid repeating history.
Bryan Robson has given his verdict on Mikel Arteta’s future. (Image: Getty Images)
If the Gunners, who have been in pole position for much of the season, fail to get over the line, pressure will start to mount on Arteta.
For Arsenal, who only a few weeks ago thought a quadruple was a very real possibility, ending this campaign empty-handed is unthinkable.
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The Spaniard’s only silver medals came after winning the FA Cup in 2019 and the Community Shield in 2020 and 2023.
Despite the setback, Arteta remained resolute after the loss to City. “I believe today and I believed a week ago Wednesday, because I see them every day and I know our level,” he said.
“But if they needed more convincing today, I think they’re more convinced now. They were talking about it in the locker room. It’s a new league now. They had games coming up.”
“We have a three-point advantage and we have five games left, so everything is still to come.
“So we know how much we want it and we’re not going to stop and we’re going to do it again, that’s for sure.”
