Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson has questioned whether Mikel Arteta’s side have reached a ceiling so far this season, having put themselves into the battle for a top four finish.
The Gunners currently sit sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games in-hand over the Red Devils.
It’s a much-improved standing and circumstance for Arteta, who failed to guide his side to European football for the first time in over two decades last year.
The summer brought about change for the Gunners, who let go of some of the old guard and spent a lot to bring in fresh faces to the squad.
There has also been the progression of a lot of the young talent at the club, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli going on to take leading roles and responsibility.
However, recent form has been somewhat rocky for Arsenal. Losses to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool have highlighted a lack of quality in depth, while fixtures stacking up may have also highlighted a tired squad after a busy December period.
Former midfielder Robson believes that the side have hit their ceiling so far under Arteta.
Speaking on ESPN FC’s Extra Time, he said: “I think this is their ceiling at the moment.
“I think in maybe a couple of years time when the likes of [Bukayo] Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and these sort of players, [Gabriel] Martinelli who’s had a good spell in the team, and some of the younger players come through, I think Arsenal will be a good side.
“But I just think it’s hit its ceiling at the moment.
“I think they’ve gone as far as they can with Arteta this season and I think top four would be a great position for them. I don’t think they’re going to get it.”
Whether that ends up being the case remains to be seen. January could provide the perfect chance for Arteta to bolster his squad heading into the final knockings of the season.
