Former Super Eagles forward Mikel Obi has pulled in his assessment of Mikel Arteta’s leadership after Manchester City effectively wrestled control of the Premier League title race away from Arsenal.
Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, the Gunners have now managed a dismal run of just one win in their last six matches, a collapse that suggests the pressure of the hunt has finally become too much for the North London side to handle.
Speaking on an episode of his podcast with Chris McHardy, Mikel was visibly disheartened by what he described as a lack of authentic composure from the Arsenal bench. Mikel reported that while Pep Guardiola looked like a man who had been there and done it, Arteta looked like a manager who had completely lost his cool, stating:
"One hand you have a manager who’s absolutely rattled, who’s lost his shit, who’s lost the control of his dressing room, who’s lost the control of himself. He looks tense. Even when he tries to be calm, he’s faking it. It’s not natural. Everything that he’s doing is so cringey. Just calm down mate. Relax. You’ve worked so hard to be in this position, don't be rattled."
The former Chelsea midfielder concluded that if this season ends without silverware, it might be time for a change in scenery at the Emirates. Despite the progress made over the last few years, Mikel believes that a psychological ceiling has been reached under the current regime. He offered a blunt ultimatum regarding the Spaniard's future, saying:
"If he doesn't cross the finish line... I don't think he will ever do it with this Arsenal side. So he has to walk. He’s done a fantastic job in building this squad, but sometimes it’s just about a different voice. If he doesn’t do it this season, I think he needs to put his hand up and he needs to walk."