Matthew Upson gives Mikel Arteta sack verdict as Arsenal prepare for crunch Fulham match

Jack Otway
Fri, 01 May 2026 14:44:38 +0000

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson believes Mikel Arteta shouldn't be sacked, even if the Gunners end the season without any silverware to show for their efforts.

The north London giants currently sit three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, though their rivals do have a game in hand.

Just over a month ago, many were expecting Arsenal to cruise to the prize.

However, in the wake of some disappointing results - including defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City home and away - they're now sweating on a first league crown since the days of Arsene Wenger back in 2004.

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In addition to the domestic front, Arsenal are also seeking glory on the European stage.

They're just 90 minutes away from reaching a first Champions League final in two decades, with their semi-final draw with Atletico Madrid hanging in the balance after a 1-1 draw in Spain earlier this week.

Arteta's sole trophy to date is the 2020 FA Cup, which was achieved with a squad left to him by predecessor Unai Emery.

As a result, there's talk over whether the Spaniard is still the right man to lead the team.

But Upson, speaking exclusively to GB News, believes Arteta is key to Arsenal's future - regardless of how things play out.

Speaking on behalf of SeatPick, the leading aggregator for reliable sports and music tickets online, he said: "Should Arsenal not win anything, Mikel Arteta will probably be feeling it the most having been in such a good position in all four competitions this season.

"They have led most of the season and if they don’t win anything he may review himself at the end, as Arsenal have been so close now to lifting the main silverware.

"But you look at what Mikel Arteta has done for the club, to be competing right at the very top of Premier League and Champions League.

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"You position that from when he took over and it's totally different.

"So Arsenal have come so far and in touching distance of winning the Premier League. So it would be the most difficult decision as Mikel has done an amazing job for Arsenal."

One big criticism of Arsenal this season has been their style of play.

Arteta has been accused of being too defensive, placing too much emphasis on set-pieces and lacking the nous required to get the best from his attackers.

Upson, however, thinks there's no issue.

"I have no reason to criticise the way Arsenal play," he said. "They are top of the Premier League, they topped the Champions League table too.

"They are very efficient at what they do and I don’t see why they should be criticised.

"Yes, their style was more effective in the first part of the season, and now it’s just stopped clicking as much, as we’ve seen a few defeats lately, but credit to Mikel Arteta for finding a way the team can be at its best.

"And I definitely do not see this as a black mark against Arteta at all."

Another big talking point this season has been Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international lacks finesse but has still chipped in with 19 goals across all competitions.

Certainly, the ex-Sporting Lisbon hitman needs to improve. Upson admits it's an area Arsenal need to address, even if he's content with Gyokeres' performances.

"I think Arsenal need to decide what they want from a number nine," he stated.

"Kai Havertz is a top player, but not an out-and-out goal scorer. Gyokeres has scored plenty of goals for Arsenal this season, but is he world class?

"In my time, we had Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Nicholas Anelka and Arsenal seem to miss a true number nine.

"So, this will be a decision Arsenal will need to look at in terms of how they want to progress here for next season, as this squad is excellent."