However, some interesting context has been added to the situation by a head coach not too far away. Arsenal's rivals Chelsea have already experienced the impact of losing their manager from the touchline.
Mauricio Pochettino was suspended from pitchside and forced to sit in the stands for Chelsea’s visit to Newcastle United. The Gunners experienced just how tough St James’ Park can be even with their coach on the sidelines and fell to a controversial 1-0 defeat but the Blues were battered 4-1.
“It was really tough to be there, to be honest, I don't want to be any more there,” he said. “So frustrating to be there and to try and connect with the coaching staff.
“It was really tough because you cannot show your emotion. Really frustrated and really disappointed, also with the performance.
“We were never connected with the game. Even when we scored, it was a moment to go but the team was never with the right energy to go and compete.”The question now arises whether Arsenal will lack connection from their coach. The last time Arteta was unable to be on the sidelines was through no fault of his own after suffering from Covid-19 in January 2022, meaning he missed the visit of Manchester City.
Arsenal went into half-time with a one-goal lead and looking fantastic but errors and a lack of composure led to mistakes and eventually, Pep Guardiola’s side won. Arteta was proud of his team but it was certainly possible that his lack of presence on the sidelines contributed to the slip-ups and eventual failure on the day.
Villa Park is already an intimidating and tricky venue to visit, despite the Gunners’ 3-1 win there last season. Without Arteta on the touchline, it has just been made a whole lot worse.
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