Arsenal vs Chelsea | Arteta Must Evolve or Perish.
A bit dramatic on the perish part, but it is very clear to see that Arteta is coming to the end of his rope as Arsenal manager.
Looking ahead to Sunday's Premier League football, Chelsea visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for the first London derby of the season as clear favourites. The West London club have acquired one of Europe's elite strikers, Lukaku, to compliment a host of young and impressive talent in the squad.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are the total opposite of their London rivals. The club's summer business has been regarded as being poor. The signings have arguably not improved the pre-existing squad from the previous season's campaign.
It is therefore not surprising that fans around the world predict this match going in favour of Chelsea.
If it is any consolation for Arsenal fans, this is not the first time they have faced Chelsea against the odds.
Tomorrow, however, the odds feel quite formidable.
What must Arteta do?
Switching to a back five
If it is not yet obvious to Arteta, he must immediately switch back to his most reliable back five in defence.
This formation was the foundation for much of the success he had early in his tenure as Arsenal manager, especially the FA Cup win.
It also allowed him to cover the defensive frailties of his average defenders, which coincided with the third-best defensive record in the Premier League last season behind City and Chelsea.
I fully expect Arteta to implement this tomorrow to match Chelsea but will it be enough?
Attack! Attack! Attack!
There really is something in the reports that Arteta over-coaches his team. It was very apparent when the fans were not in the stadium where you could hear and see Arteta directing his players on the pitch.
He was giving too many instructions.
It reminds me of Ian Wright describing Solskjaer's managerial style as "vibes" and the Mikel Arteta would challenge the league with United. He has since eaten humble pie.
Arteta is the inverse of Solskjaer.
While United's players are expressive and attractive to watch, players at Arsenal don't seem to be aware of what to do with the ball in different phases of play, especially offensive play.
Arsenal cannot afford to be on the back foot against Chelsea. They have to impose themselves in the London derby like they did in the first 5 minutes of Brentford game, where they flattered to deceive.
Final thoughts
The first three fixtures for Arsenal couldn't have been any worse. Brentford, a well coached physical team with a point to prove, followed by fierce rivals and then the league champions.
Arsenal risk having 0/12 points on the board prior to the first international break.
The London derby is exasperated by the fact that Arsenal fans are not buying tickets to go to the game and are planning a demonstration before kickoff.
A loss tomorrow, while it won't be unexpected, will only add fuel to the calls for ArtetaOut!
But will management concede to the demands of a trigger-happy fanbase?
Hopefully not!