Arteta Needs to Drop £120k p/w Ace Who Had a Nightmare in Newcastle vs Arsenal

Arsenal, bucking the trend of their previous struggles away to Newcastle United, were able to respond to Nick Woltemade’s rising header in the 34th minute through Mikel Merino’s header of his own and Gabriel Magalhaes’ late winner. Leaving the northeast with just all three points following a 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s Magpies, the Gunners fanbase are imploring Mikel Arteta to make an all-important decision for their upcoming matches.

St James’ Park has rarely been a happy hunting ground for the north Londoners: before Sunday, they had lost four of their last five visits across all competitions. But that was all forgotten about as Arteta’s men wrapped up a pretty impressive September with three points on away soil.

Controversy struck in the first half after Jarred Gillett overturned an Arsenal penalty following a pitchside review but, all in all, Merino’s wonderfully-guided header caught Nick Pope in his tracks and that led to a brilliant comeback. And, in the wake of securing a well-earned victory from home, supporters of the visiting outfit have called on Arteta to make a potentially make-or-break decision moving forward.

Arteta Cannot Continue to Play £120k p/w Man If He Wants Success

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a growing nervousness among Arsenal fans that Arteta – despite being regarded as one of world football’s best managers – tends to play it safe when their backs are against the wall. That cannot be said following their 2-1 win against Newcastle as they continued to push and prod throughout.

Among those, however, who were not at the races for the capital club was Riccardo Calafoiri. Initially signed as a central defender from Bologna, the Italian has often been utilised in the left-back berth given how solid a partnership William Saliba-Gabriel Magalhaes is. He picked up a yellow card and was substituted in the 70th minute.

Before being hooked, the Rome-born star won zero of his two duels, took 43 touches – two of which were in Newcastle’s box – and completed three defensive contributions.

calafiori

Calafiori being trusted on the left-hand side of the best back line in England’s top flight, however, has complicated matters for youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly – a player loved by many in and around the club, from teammates to fans. Lewis-Skelly, who is now a regularly picked member of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up with four international caps under his belt, is a player that needs to be picked.

Also capable of screening the back four in the middle of the park, the 19-year-old has chiefly been used on the left of the back four – and Calafiori’s struggles open the door for him to play. Up next for the Gunners is welcoming Olympiacos to north London in the Champions League, while a meeting with West Ham United is on the horizon.

So far this season, Arteta has opted for Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly in all five Premier League matches – but, looking ahead, could his performance against Newcastle be the final straw? The latter, one of the best English teenagers in world football, is waiting patiently to shine for his boyhood club and deserves the chance to spread his wings. The Emirates Stadium faithful are certainly of the same opinion.

“Calafiori is a terrible terrible defender. Why the hell does he pick him over MLS?” one fan questioned as another added that Lewis-Skelly deserves to start over the Italian, who is four years his senior. “Calafiori starting left back over Lewis-Skelly is criminal, he cannot lace the superstar’s boots.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), another added:

With no reference to Lewis-Skelly, another member of the Emirates Stadium loyal belives that Calafiori hasn’t proved that he is capable of being a starter under Arteta. “Bro, Calafiori cannot start another game after today,” they wrote as another added: “I’m ready for more MLS and less Calafiori.” Another concluded: “Calafiori is so brainless. Needs to be dropped.”