Arsenal Must Sack Mikel Arteta After West Ham Loss, His Time is Up

 

Arsenal's defeat to West Ham has exposed the harsh truth that many fans have been reluctant to accept—Mikel Arteta is not the man to take this club to the next level. For years, supporters have been told to trust the process, to believe in the long-term vision, but how long is too long? How many more painful defeats, lifeless performances, and missed opportunities must Arsenal endure before the club finally acknowledges that Arteta has reached his limit? Losing to West Ham in such a manner is unacceptable for a club with ambitions of winning the Premier League. This was not just a bad result; it was the latest example of Arteta's tactical failings, his inability to inspire when it matters, and his overall stagnation as Arsenal manager. 

From the first whistle, Arsenal looked predictable, lacking both urgency and a clear attacking strategy. Once again, possession meant nothing as the team struggled to break down a well-organized opponent, repeating the same slow, sideways passing sequences that have become all too familiar under Arteta. West Ham, on the other hand, executed their game plan perfectly, exposing Arsenal's defensive weaknesses with precision and ruthlessness. Even after falling behind, there was no real response, no fight, no sign that Arsenal had the belief to turn the game around. That lack of reaction, that failure to rise to the occasion, is what makes this loss so damning for Arteta. 

The most frustrating aspect is that Arsenal have spent heavily under Arteta, bringing in top players and reshaping the squad to fit his vision. This is no longer a team in transition. This is Arteta's squad, built according to his philosophy, yet the same fundamental problems persist. Defensive lapses, an inability to break down deep-lying defenses, and a lack of leadership in crucial moments continue to haunt Arsenal. At some point, the blame has to shift from the players to the manager. How many more times will we hear excuses about needing more time or about the team still learning? The fact is, Arsenal are not progressing at the rate expected of a club with their resources and ambition. 

Losing to West Ham should be the final straw because it proves that Arsenal are not ready to compete at the highest level under Arteta. If the club truly wants to challenge Manchester City and other elite teams, they need a manager with the tactical intelligence and experience to win big games consistently. Arteta has been given more time and backing than most managers would ever receive at a club of Arsenal's stature, but he continues to fall short in key moments. Every time it looks like Arsenal are about to make the leap, a result like this happens to drag them back down. That cycle cannot continue if the club is serious about competing for major honors. 

The loyalty Arsenal have shown Arteta is commendable, but it is now becoming a weakness. Sentiment cannot outweigh ambition. The board must make a difficult but necessary decision before another season slips away. Arsenal cannot afford to wait until it is too late. The reality is clear—Arteta has taken this team as far as he can. If the club truly wants to return to the top, they must act now. His time is up.

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