Compare the scenes at full-time against Crystal Palace and Brighton and you will notice how quickly the mentality can change when there’s a penny drop moment for supporters. After the Palace defeat, Arsenal fans chanted Mikel Arteta’s name, backing the coach arguably feeling sorry for the performance his players had put in.
However, Arsenal were beaten by Brighton not only due to the player’s poor performances but due to the decision-making of the coach. The line-up was widely criticised and the choice to leave the natural backup left-back Nuno Tavares on the bench to shoehorn Granit Xhaka into left-back left fans baffled.
At full-time, it was not chanting but booing. Arteta’s poor choices have cost him more than just three points, it could cost him support. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney’s injuries were already huge blows to the side, but this third factor threatens to derail the season.
