'Eventually': Mikel Arteta told two Arsenal stars could genuinely 'cost him his job' after losing to Newcastle
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Newcastle United put a dent in Arsenal’s hopes of winning silverware this season with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon leading them to a 2-0 win in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Mikel Arteta reacted to Arsenal fans’ early exit from the Emirates Stadium by admitting that “it’s their decision” as the Gunners failed to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Anthony Gordon’s view on Newcastle beating Arsenal was that the hosts tend to be “dominant” at the Emirates Stadium and Eddie Howe’s side were aware that it would take a “smash and grab” to emerge triumphant.
Gordon’s claim was proven right by Arsenal to an extent as they took 23 shots against the Magpies. However, the Englishman as well as Isak were far from clinical than their opponents.
After the contest, Craig Burley claimed that Mikel Arteta could eventually be sacked from his post due to the presence of two players, who he feels severely lack a killer instinct in front of goal.
Mikel Arteta warned Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus could “cost him his job” at Arsenal
Craig Burley claimed that the difference between Arsenal and Newcastle was that the visitors finished their chances, claiming that Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ lack of ruthlessness in front of goal could eventually cost Mikel Arteta his job unless they are upgraded upon in the transfer market.
Burley said via ESPN FC: “The story of the game is Newcastle and he mentioned it, Newcastle were efficient and that’s the difference. Just because Arsenal have 69 or 70 per cent possession, is that reflecting the story of the game? Because the most important thing is the final third.”
“In the final third, they are mediocre at best and there is a gaping hole, in my opinion and one of the big differences why Arsenal have come up short when they were fighting City and how they’ve probably come up short against this Liverpool side, because this Liverpool side have got goals all around them without really having a natural striker.”
Craig Burley continued: “They’ve got Mo Salah, they’ve got [Luis] Diaz, they’ve got [Diogo] Jota, they’ve got [Cody] Gakpo, all these guys can score in big games. This is a major, major problem for Arsenal, this [Kai] Havertz, [Gabriel] Jesus situation.”
“And they don’t address it, then maybe he’ll get the summer to go and address it again and they’ll push again but if he continues to go through this season, which I think they will and then through the summer without addressing it again, I think it’ll eventually cost him his job.”
Previously, Havertz has been labelled “average” while Arsenal’s Jesus has been told to score more goals.
Arsenal told to spend £150 million to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak
Paul Merson told Arsenal to sign Isak by splurging £150 million to acquire his services this month.
“£150 [million], Arsenal will have the money, that takes Arsenal to another level.”
"Unbelievable. They've sold [Emile] Smith Rowe, they've sold a few players, they've sold [loaned Aaron] Ramsdale, they have money, they look after themselves very well, Arsenal.”
Paul Merson claimed that he would ideally like to see Havertz play in a deeper position with the Newcastle technician leading the line for Arsenal.
“I like [Kai] Havertz, don't get me wrong but I'd rather him play deeper because he then gets in the box, he's an extra man in the box but I like Isak, I think he's unbelievable. I'd hate to mark him.”
Mikel Arteta had the best seat in the house to witness the magnificence of Isak.
Isak is the Premier League’s best striker, according to Ally McCoist and throughout the contest, he gave William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes the runaround with how excellently he ran the channels.
The Swedish frontman’s finish for his opener oozed self-confidence as he blasted it past David Raya while Gordon’s goal was a rebound after the 26-year-old initially tested the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Whether Mikel Arteta deems the acquisition of Isak or any other elite striker to elevate his side as necessary to win major trophies remains to be seen this month and in the summer transfer window.
If not, Havertz and Jesus will have to repay Arteta’s faith and step up big-time for him.
