Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has now been warned that he needs to make a change in order to improve his side’s prospects at the business end of next season.
It’s been a very damaging four days for Mikel Arteta and his team, with consecutive defeats derailing the hope of an historic double.
Perhaps it was never realistic to win both the domestic title and the Champions League, but Arsenal fans hoped for one.
To end this season trophyless would be as unjustified as it would be disappointing.
Even with Manchester City considered, Arsenal have been the best side in England this season.
Some will claim that xG stats don’t ultimately matter when it comes to actually lifting trophies, but it’s a great barometer of performance.
And Arsenal are number one in that regard, as Bayern Munich have been in the Bundesliga despite conceding their title to Xabio Alonso’s high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.
That being said, there’s still room for improvement at the Emirates, as this past week has proved.
And judging by a post by Telegraph journalist Sam Dean, Mikel Arteta has been told exactly where he can start.
Mikel Arteta warned he needs to share minutes around at Arsenal next season to avoid burnout
Last season Arsenal had an incredibly settled XI, and it eventually proved their undoing.
Players were tired when it came to the last ten or so games, both mentally and physically.
And although things have improved this campaign, Sam Dean still thinks an over saturation of minutes it’s causing an issue.
Taking to X to provide a snippet of his report, the journalist wrote: “Just like the previous two years, Arteta has largely stuck with the same core group of players this season.
“And just like the previous two years, Arsenal have faded in April.
“He either needs more top options or more faith in the fringe players he’s got.”
The graphic attached demonstrates that William Saliba for example has played 3,782 of a possible total of 3,810 minutes.
The Frenchman has only missed 28 minutes in Premier League and European football.
Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira have been incredibly underused
Perhaps the most alarming numbers are that of Emile Smith Rowe (368) and Fabio Vieira (369).
Yes, both have had their respective injuries, but they are good enough to start for Arsenal on a regular basis, players who can match the squad’s current levels.
However, they are largely on the periphery of things, explaining why they are two of 13 players who could leave in the summer.
It’s harsh to critique Mikel Arteta’s work, he’s doing a fantastic job at progressing this squad and the club.
But this summer seems crucial in helping craft a squad that the Spaniard entirely trusts, that he can turn in every corner.
And perhaps Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness will also play a huge role in that respect.
All that being said, Real Madrid did take one lesson from Arsenal to help them beat Manchester City last night.