The Gunners have suffered their worst start to a league campaign in almost four decades, leaving their manager under intense pressure.
Mikel Arteta has called on his entire squad to make a stand and take whatever ‘bullets’ may come their way, adding that he is prepared to take the brunt of the criticism.
A disappointing 1-0 defeat to Burnley last weekend condemned Arsenal to a fourth consecutive defeat in their own backyard – a first in 61 years.
The loss left Gunners down in 15th-place in the Premier League table and just five points above the relegation zone, ensuring their worst start to a season since 1974.
Arsenal’s lackluster results, particularly their goal struggles, have raised doubts over Arteta’s future. The bookies have tipped him for the sack, despite the club’s technical director Edu backing the under-fire manager.
Edu on Arteta: "If we're not talking about patience with Mikel it would be very unfair to him. Because what a year we have faced. Pre-season challenges, three months without any football matches, a lot of things changing in the club" #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/ouqTnPblrE
— Gunners4life (@GurejeIB) December 15, 2020
“I feel the pressure all the time,” said Arteta in a pre-match conference ahead of Wednesday’s league game against Southampton.
“When we had those [better] spells, everything was not so beautiful. The last few months of last summer, there were a lot of difficult moments, believe me. Everything wasn’t nice, easy and enjoyable.
“Obviously, when you are winning, you create a different mood.
“Then the pressure once you win is to win again, that pressure is always going to exist, I prefer that. That pressure when you are always thinking about winning and going into the next trophy, but this is our reality right now and we have to face it.
“We have to face it being brave, fighting and no one giving up. It’s not time to hide, it’s time to put your face and your body on the line and at the moment, I’m sorry, but we have to take the bullets.
“We’re not winning football matches and you have to put your chest out [and say], ‘Hit me’ because you have the right to hit me, because I’m not winning.
“What else can I do? Put my head down, work harder and try to do things better and improve. It’s how we have to approach this.”
Asked if he should take the bullets rather than the players, Arteta replied: “It’s natural, I accept it and it’s part of the job.
“When you’re not getting results, at the end of the day, it’s the manager who has the maximum responsibility to do this.
“That’s why I accept it because you can say whatever you want to explain, but in the end you have to win football matches and this club is too big to accept this many losses in the last few weeks. My chest is here and hit me you guys.”
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