Despite Mikel Arteta reaching his 200th Premier League match as Arsenal's manager, the team's performance in their recent draw against Manchester United highlights a season of missed opportunities. The Gunners, who once appeared to be strong contenders for the title, now find themselves trailing significantly behind Liverpool. Despite controlling possession for much of the game, Arsenal struggled to convert their dominance into meaningful attacks. Their inability to capitalize on chances and the lack of a reliable striker have been major setbacks this season.

The challenges faced by Arsenal were evident in their tactical decisions during the match. With key players sidelined due to injuries, Arteta was forced to make unconventional substitutions, including deploying a midfielder as an emergency striker. This move underscored the club’s failure to address critical weaknesses in their squad. Moreover, the decision to bring in Raheem Sterling, who has failed to make an impact since joining, further highlighted issues with the team's transfer strategy. While Arsenal had more time to prepare compared to Manchester United, who were coming off a Europa League match, they still fell short in execution.

Mikel Arteta's tenure at Arsenal has undoubtedly brought improvements, but the true measure of success lies in tangible achievements like trophies. Although Arteta has accumulated a commendable number of wins and is highly regarded by the club's hierarchy, the pressure is mounting for him to deliver silverware. With Liverpool establishing a commanding lead and Arsenal's faltering performances, the focus now shifts to securing Champions League qualification and ensuring a stronger showing in future seasons. The urgency to address the team's vulnerabilities and deliver results is clearer than ever.