Has Arteta taken Arsenal as far as he can?

Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal has undoubtedly seen the club evolve from a period of mediocrity to one of steady, consistent challenges at the top of the Premier League.

However, as Arsenal’s recent performances and results suggest, questions are starting to emerge regarding whether Arteta has taken the team as far as he can.

With the Gunners falling at the first hurdle in the FA Cup, trailing Newcastle 2-0 in the League Cup semi-finals, and their inconsistent league form, frustrations amongst the fanbase are starting to emerge.

The biggest of those concerns? Arteta’s failure to sign a prolific striker.

In the absence of Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled with injuries, Arsenal’s attack has appeared toothless. Despite being second in the Premier League, they are the only team in the top six without a goalscorer in double figures.

Arteta’s decision to rely on players like Kai Havertz, who is not a natural number nine, as a makeshift solution to the forward problem has long been questioned.

Havertz, despite his technical qualities, has only managed seven goals in the league — a far cry from the tallies of players in similar positions for Arsenal’s rivals.

The recent 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final and the FA Cup elimination at the hands of 10-man Manchester United laid bare the shortcomings of Arteta’s attacking setup. Arsenal created numerous chances in both matches, yet their inability to convert them into goals left them exposed.

Against Newcastle, they had 23 shots, but only three were on target, while they managed just seven on target from 26 attempts against Manchester United. If they had an Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins, I’m almost certain they would have won those games.

That’s not to say getting a world-class striker is easy, it’s not – especially in this day and age. But there are strikers out there that Arsenal should have signed coming into this season, especially given last season’s issue without a striker.

It has been very evident for a while that a No.9 is the missing puzzle piece for Arsenal to go from always being the bridesmaid to the bride.

Beyond the striker issue, another point of contention is the football that Arsenal are currently playing. While they remain a team that dominates possession, they have become increasingly predictable and slower in their build-up play.

Their approach to breaking down defensive teams has been lacking in fluidity, often leading to a reliance on wide play or set-pieces to create chances. This slow, methodical style of football, while often effective against lesser sides, has left Arsenal struggling against teams who are content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.

Without key figures like Bukayo Saka or Martin Ødegaard stepping up, the team seems to run out of ideas when faced with resolute defences.

Arteta’s tactical approach is built around a well-drilled, disciplined structure. This has paid dividends in many respects, as seen in their rise to the top of the Premier League in recent seasons. However, in recent months, Arsenal’s attack has become predictable, and their overall style of play can feel functional, rather than exciting.

In Arteta’s defence Injuries have played a significant role in Arsenal’s recent struggles, particularly in the attacking department.

Jesus, though not a prolific goalscorer, is a player who provides much-needed mobility and link-up play in the central areas. His absence has only highlighted the lack of depth in Arsenal’s attacking options.

Then there’s Arsenal's 'starboy,' Bukayo Saka, who has often carried the team this season and last. With him currently sidelined, Arsenal's performances have clearly suffered in his absence.

However, the issue runs deeper—Arsenal have become too reliant on him. Take Liverpool, for example. If Mohamed Salah isn't firing, Luis Díaz steps up. Similarly, when Erling Haaland wasn't at his best for Manchester City last season, Kevin De Bruyne would raise his game.

In contrast, Arsenal seem a bit directionless without their main man.

Arteta’s methods and principles have served Arsenal well in most respects, there is no denying the progress they have made under him.

But in others, they have held the team back. The lack of a top-notch goalscorer and the sometimes ponderous style of play are starting to look like fundamental flaws that could prevent Arsenal from winning the biggest trophies under Arteta’s management.

While loyalty to Arteta remains strong among the majority of the fanbase, the reality is that without addressing these issues, Arsenal may continue to fall short of the major silverware that has eluded them for so long.

The next few months, particularly in the transfer window, will be pivotal in determining whether Arteta can evolve his tactics and deliver the success that many believe is still within reach.