Spanish Media Lay Into Arsenal as New Fears Emerge After Man City Setback
Arsenal's recent performances have been picked apart by Spanish media, with new fears emerging after their Premier League title setback against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side are in danger of throwing the title away, while their Champions League ambitions face a stern test from Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid Tipped to Compound Arsenal's Troubles
Spanish media reckon Atletico Madrid could take advantage of Arsenal's dip in form and crush their Champions League ambitions. With the sides due to meet in the semi-finals, Diego Simeone's team have been tipped to compound the Gunners' troubles, adding pressure on Arteta's squad.
Arsenal had their Premier League lead cut to just three points following their 2-1 loss to title rivals Manchester City on Sunday. The result handed the momentum to City, who could draw level on points with a victory over Burnley on Wednesday. It was Arsenal's fourth loss in six matches across all competitions, with their Champions League quarter-final triumph over Sporting CP being a rare bright spot.
Pundit Highlights Worrying Signs for Arsenal
While Mikel Arteta attempts to rally his squad in the title race, Atletico's main objective is reaching the Champions League final and will be heartened by the Gunners' decline. COPE pundit Guille Uzquiano has claimed that Arsenal are displaying worrying signs at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Uzquiano said on Tiempo de Juego: "I don't think this City side is reminiscent of those from Guardiola's best years, but they are certainly in better form than Arsenal. They are regressing as the season goes on." While the conversation focused on the club's Premier League title ambitions, the pundit recognised how the circumstances could equally affect their Champions League fortunes.
Uzquiano characterised Arteta's outfit as being "an opponent within Atlético Madrid's reach right now". Turning back to the title battle, the expert maintained that City "look like the better team and are already within striking distance". Uzquiano outlined his predictions for Arsenal's final five fixtures of the campaign, adding: "I find it hard to see them winning all their remaining matches."
Spanish Outlet Analyses Arsenal's Disappointing Display
Spanish publication ABC recently monitored Arsenal closely against Sporting CP. The match analysis highlighted a "disappointing" display from Arteta's squad in the second-leg stalemate. The Spanish outlet noted that Arsenal were "at the mercy of the Portuguese side" on multiple occasions in the first half.
Arteta's team were assessed as trying to secure the tie with "more determination than skill, lacking their usual clarity of play". Although there were signs of progress from the Gunners, the second period was predominantly a "carbon copy" of the opening 45 minutes, as the opposition "remained a constant threat".
Atletico's Grounds for Optimism Pile Pressure on Arteta
Atletico's grounds for optimism pile further pressure on Arteta and his players. The Madrid outfit are targeting their first final appearance since 2016, having knocked out Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Arsenal's attention will first turn to their home fixture against Newcastle this weekend before the first leg against Atletico on April 29.
The combination of a faltering title challenge and a daunting Champions League semi-final has left Arsenal at a critical juncture. Spanish media scrutiny adds another layer of intensity as Arteta faces one of the biggest tests of his managerial career to end the season with silverware.
