Journalist says ‘lackluster’ Arsenal have ‘slipped back’ after these poor transfer decisions

Arsenal have been criticized for declining and becoming boring to watch under Mikel Arteta, with journalist John Cross criticizing the team after yesterday’s defeat to Manchester United.

Arsenal drew 1-1 with the Red Devils but lost on penalties as they were eliminated in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium, once again missing out on a chance to win some silverware.

That result also came on the heels of a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in midweek, leaving Arsenal’s Carabao Cup hopes hanging by a thread as they now need to go to St James’ Park with a mountain to climb for the second leg.

See below as the Mirror’s John Cross talks about Arsenal’s poor work in the transfer market which has contributed to their decline this season, focusing on injury-prone Riccardo Calafiore and disappointing Mikel Merino…

Arsenal have been fun to watch for two seasons. Then last summer they signed a brilliant midfielder and a left-back who was injury-prone. They’ve gone backwards. Arteta has made it all about control rather than flair and excitement. And it’s boring and doesn’t work.

– John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 12, 2025

This will resonate with some Arsenal fans, but at the same time it is perhaps unfair to ignore the injuries the team has suffered this season.

While the club’s summer window would undoubtedly have been better, it is also likely that they would not be struggling as much at the moment if Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiore and Ethan Nwaneri were fit and available.

What’s next for Arsenal?

There is certainly still some hope for Arsenal in the coming weeks and months, as they remain in contention, albeit outsiders, in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The north London giants will face rivals Tottenham next and will certainly be favorites to win this match, as Spurs have not been in great form recently either.

However, it is also clear that there is a huge potential for this to go wrong, so fans will be hoping that signings can be made between now and the end of January in a bid to salvage the season.