I would be right there with Ricky backing Arteta even now, but I'm a little dismayed by the turn he has taken recently. When he switched to a 4-2-3-1 he took a step in the right direction. We were playing attackers and dominating possession, and I could accept that players we just not producing. Instead of going further, putting on one or two youngers, waiting for Pepe to come back etc, he retreated to a back 5. Folks on here were calling for it, but before it happened I said it would be the single biggest thing in me losing faith in what he's trying to do.
Arteta himself said he was happy with what he was seeing, but then undermines himself. Maybe it's understandable given the pressure, but it was the wrong move and all it's done is exasperate the situation, we've lost any identity we've ever had. I just think he's too cautious, and whatever his strengths are as a manager, and I'm convinced he has plenty going for him despite the narrative on here, it's not enough for me anymore.
