Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been accused of being “out of his depth” despite recording back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season.
Martin Odegaard’s classy free-kick was enough to secure a 1-0 away victory against Burnley.
Their performance at Turf Moor secured a second consecutive victory for the Gunners, who have since jumped from last position to 13th in the table within the last fortnight.
It was the Norwegian midfielder’s first goal since he joined the club on a permanent basis in August.
Despite the improvement of results and performances, it appears the former Manchester City assistant manager still has a lot of critics to convert.
The most recent of which is former Tottenham striker and BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks.
Crooks remains skeptical of the former Arsenal midfielder, and believes he still does not look convincing at the helm of the Emirates Stadium.
“The problem for the Gunners is they look miles from where they really should be right now, and the biggest culprit seems to be the manager,” Crooks wrote for the BBC.
“Mikel Arteta appears out of his depth.
“He has talented players at his disposal and on occasions against Burnley they showed it.
“However, it was a set-piece that dug him out of a hole.”
Arsenal begun the season disastrously, losing their first three matches without scoring.
Their worst start to a season in 67 years, comprised of an opening day 2-0 away defeat to Brentford, followed up by a 2-0 home humbling by Chelsea.
Their disappointment turned into humiliation at Arteta’s old stomping ground, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City hit them for five at the Etihad stadium.
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However, boosted by the return of landmark signing Ben White, as well as Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal already look like a more solid unit.
And Crooks earmarked the latter for his performances since returning to the side in their victory against Norwich City.
A knee injury caused him to miss Arsenal’s defeats to Brentford, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
But, the Gunners have not conceded since the Brazilian returned, and he looks to have already had a massive influence on the team.
And his performances have not gone unnoticed, with Crooks specifically earmarking Gabriel’s performance by including him in his Team of the Week.
“Boy, do Arsenal need Gabriel in their team,” said Crooks.
“The hug that took place between Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel at the end of the game said just how much a second clean sheet in consecutive games meant to Arsenal's defensive unit.
“Ben White also played his part in a set-up that coped well against Burnley.”
Gabriel made more clearances and tackles than any other Burnley player, as Arsenal held firm against Sean Dyche’s side.
Crooks was not alone in his appraisal of the former Lille central defender, as Arteta also highlighted his delight towards Gabriel’s performances.
“We know he’s a player with an incredible future who has already given us a lot,’ Arteta said of his defender.
“It doesn’t get much harder than playing here in the Premier League and he was terrific today."
