Arsenal legend has had his say on Mikel Arteta’s future after the Gunners made incredibly hard work on beating League One Mansfield Town in the FA Cup
Arsenal remain in contention for silverware across four competitions after surviving a huge FA Cup fright against Mansfield Town. Following Mikel Arteta’s decision to change nine positions in his starting eleven, the Gunners were tested to the limit by the League One side.
Nigel Clough’s team drew level on 50 minutes through Will Evans to neutralise Noni Madueke’s breakthrough strike just before the interval. However, Eberechi Eze rescued the 14-time champions from embarrassment with the decisive goal midway through the second period.
Having rested crucial players like Declan Rice, the outcome positions the Gunners perfectly for the Champions League journey to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and the resumption of Premier League action against Everton on Saturday. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Gunners developments.
Arteta sack verdict
Arteta has received support to continue as head coach, even should the Gunners come up short in the Premier League once more. Arsenal have finished as runners-up to Manchester City twice and Liverpool across the previous three campaigns.
Falling short again would be viewed as disappointing by many unless the Gunners can compensate by claiming the Champions League for the first time. Regardless, former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes the squad is progressing in the right direction irrespective of how the remainder of the season unfolds.
Speaking to Gambling.com, he said: “I believe Arsenal have the right head coach for long-term success and it’s showing its rewards with the support from the board to support Mikel’s transfers over the summer. Arsenal are still in all four competitions and the depth of the squad is proving to be key for Arsenal this season.
“Should Arsenal somehow not achieve the title, I still believe Mikel Arteta is the right man for the job long term and is producing a brilliant culture at the club and the players coming in.
“The young English talent are all performing well as a group and you can see this by the results that Mikel is showing real consistency now as head coach with the title in sight.
“Plus, we also have to look at other trophies as Arsenal are in the final of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, they are progressing nicely and in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with a faultless Group Stage.”
Jesus tipped for departure
Ray Parlour reckons Gabriel Jesus will depart Arsenal this summer. The Gunners will reportedly need to offload at least one player in the summer to redress the balance following last summer’s substantial expenditure on new signings.
One of the most likely candidates to exit is Jesus, who cost the club £45million from Man City in 2022. The Brazilian’s contract is set to run out in the summer of 2027 and there seems to be little desire to secure him to a new deal.
Therefore, making a profit this summer would be the most logical move. Gunners icon Parlour told the Metro via BetMGM: “I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out.
“We could lose him. We had four strikers when I played. That’s what I don’t understand. [Regardless of Jesus leaving], bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set.”