Mikel Arteta Expresses Doubts Over Arsenal’s Trophy Ambitions After FA Cup Exit

• Arsenal eliminated from FA Cup after penalty shootout loss to Man Utd.
• Carabao Cup hopes hang by a thread with a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle.
• Mikel Arteta questions the team’s ability to win major trophies this season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced concerns over the team’s capability to secure “big trophies” this season following a difficult week that saw the Gunners knocked out of the FA Cup and left with a mountain to climb in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Despite lifting the FA Cup in 2020, Arsenal have not claimed a major trophy since. Arteta, however, refuted suggestions of a complete silverware drought under his tenure, emphasizing the progress the team has made.

A Week to Forget for Arsenal

Arsenal’s FA Cup journey ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners failed to capitalize on a numerical advantage after United’s Diogo Dalot received a red card in the second half, leaving Arteta questioning his team’s mentality.

Reflecting on the loss, Arteta said:

“Obviously [we are] relying on not performing like this and waiting for one shot to go on target and score a goal. I don’t want to bet on that. I bet on that team to try. Are we going to win big trophies? I don’t know. But playing like this… there are very few teams in the world that can play at that level.”

Arsenal must now overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup to avoid another disappointment.

European Hopes and Injury Concerns

Arsenal remain in contention in the Champions League, having secured four wins in their first six group-stage matches. Currently ranked inside the top eight, they are set to face Dinamo Zagreb and Girona later this month. However, the team’s domestic slump raises questions about their form heading into these crucial fixtures.

The Gunners are also battling renewed injury concerns, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Gabriel Jesus sidelined. This comes after an earlier injury crisis had disrupted their rhythm and results.

What Lies Ahead?

Arsenal’s ability to challenge for trophies this season appears uncertain. With injuries mounting and performances inconsistent, Arteta faces a daunting task to turn things around as the team navigates the remainder of the season.