Mikel Arteta facing tough questions after Arsenal defeat to Inter Milan exposes repetitive issue

Arsenal are without question in a major slump and the performance in the San Siro was yet another example of that monotony. Pass around the box, touch back inside, cross and hope.

That has been the philosophy since Martin Odegaard left the side and frankly, it has been boring and predictable to watch. Sides like Inter Milan and Newcastle have had relatively untroubled times dealing with the Gunners.

After what was a horrendous performance at Newcastle, Mikel Arteta made just one change to the team and it was enforced. Ben White coming in for the injured Declan Rice.

Leandro Trossard, who was poor, stayed in. Kai Havertz, who was equally poor, stayed in. Mikel Merino, who was poor, persisted.

Many will ask why Ethan Nwaneri has not come in from the start. Equally, it will be asked why Jorginho, who had a very good game against Preston and showed some impressive progression, was also not thought of over the Spaniard.

Even Raheem Sterling, who has not shown too much, was not considered over Gabriel Martinelli. Not only did Arsenal fail to win, but few players were given much rest ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

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The only slither of hope was the return of Odegaard who came on for the final five minutes of the game. Having been out for so long, they have missed him.

Arsenal under Arteta have been a side to play great football, look resolute in defence and score a record number of goals, winning a record number of games. But this side now looks a shadow of its former self and is struggling for something which has not been missing since the early days of the Spaniard’s tenure… identity.

At the end of the match, Nwaneri had a moment where he received the ball centrally, spun the Inter defender and smashed a shot over the bar. The execution was not what we saw at Preston a week ago, but it was something that has been absent from this side.

Odegaard might be back for the game this weekend but there is a strong argument that the 17-year-old deserves his shot from the start. Arsenal lose again, where next will a win come from?