Sloppy vs Everton: Why Arteta MUST Step Up vs Wigan This Weekend In FA Cup Clash

When Arsenal were thrashed by Everton at the weekend, many Gooners pointed the finger at Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard’s performance was below par, there is no doubt about that, but I feel some of the criticism was out of line. This weekend Arsenal are at Wembley to take on Wigan Athletic in their semi-final clash, and Arteta needs to up his game if he is to make up for the weekend just gone.

The pressure got to the former Everton midfielder as those who used to cheer his name were on his back from the off.

Arteta had 99 touches of the ball, and did manage to complete 93% of his passes, which is an impressive statistic.

However, off the ball he was appalling. His tackling was poor and he was continually muscled off the ball, while he and Flamini looked unsure of what they should be doing.

Wigan are a side who play down the flanks, but their central midfield of James McCarthur and Josh McEachran have a lot of ability.

They also have Nick Powell, who will undoubtedly be up against Arteta at points in the game, and I am unsure the Spaniard will be able to keep up physically.

There’s no doubt he has to step up this weekend, otherwise Arsenal’s season could be finished.