A Defining Season for Mikel Arteta
After five years at the helm, Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal may be approaching a critical juncture. Despite rebuilding the club’s identity and leading the Gunners to consistent top-two Premier League finishes, the absence of a recent trophy is beginning to overshadow the progress made under the Spaniard.
Former Tottenham midfielder and current pundit Jamie O’Hara believes the time for patience has run out. According to O’Hara, unless Arsenal lift a trophy this season, Arteta could be shown the door.
O’Hara: “Trophies or the Sack”
If Arteta doesn’t win a trophy this season, he gets the sack,” O’Hara said. “Not because he hasn’t done a good job, but because he can’t get a trophy over the line.
Speaking on Sky Sports, O’Hara delivered a blunt verdict on Arteta’s situation
While acknowledging Arteta’s positive impact on the club, O’Hara emphasized that success in modern football is ultimately judged by trophies. Despite heavy investment in the squad and strong league finishes, Arsenal fans are beginning to ask: Where is the progress?
You’ve got to win trophies, pointing out that rivals like Chelsea have managed to win multiple titles, including the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, even during periods of transition.
O’Hara added
Arteta’s Rebuild Nearing a Tipping Point
Since taking over in late 2019, Arteta has guided Arsenal to an FA Cup triumph and helped restore a competitive edge to the team. However, that cup win came in his first season, and tangible success has eluded the club since.
The pressure to break Arsenal’s trophy drought is now heavier than ever. With another Premier League title push expected and the Champions League in sight, Arteta must prove he’s more than a long-term project builder—he needs to prove he’s a winner.
Summer Signings and Squad Reshuffle
Arsenal have been active in the summer transfer market, bringing in six new players as Arteta prepares for another title challenge. However, attention has now shifted to outgoings, with several players facing uncertain futures.
One of the key names in the spotlight is Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian left-back, who played a pivotal role in earlier campaigns, struggled for game time last season and is reportedly considering running down his contract, which expires in 2026.
Zinchenko Opens Up on Difficult Season
In a new excerpt from his autobiography, Zinchenko candidly described the 2024/25 season as the lowest point of his professional career.
In pure personal terms, it was easily the worst season I ever experienced as a professional. A player who doesn’t play is nothing,
Zinchenko admitted.
The defender took responsibility for his struggles, stating he didn’t perform well enough to earn a place in the starting XI.
I can only blame myself. If I don’t play, it means I didn’t work hard enough, didn’t do enough.
Zinchenko Added
Despite the frustration, Zinchenko expressed a desire to continue enjoying football, hinting at a possible resurgence or departure depending on how this season unfolds.
The Verdict: Win or Walk?
With mounting expectations and a squad built to compete on all fronts, the 2025/26 season will be pivotal for Arteta. A trophy is no longer just a bonus—it’s a necessity. The board, the fans, and even the players seem to sense that time is running out for promises without results.
