Yeah I agree. I have seen some worrying things but I think some of these things are probably due to his inexperience rather than him not having the ability. I think some of these issues (Özil, Willian, Saliba) are Edu's issue maybe more than Arteta (and with Özil perhaps even Raul) but for some reason is mainly directed towards Arteta. Why did Edu give clearance for Willian as a DoF who's meant to be looking at the medium-long term based off our squad profile? Why was Özil still at the club (and why didnt he leave earlier which is down to him)? And with Saliba I think Arteta was too stubborn to re-integrate him but there is no way it was his responsibility of finalising the loan, that falls on Edu/Fahmy/etc. Lastly, didn't Arteta want Aouar? And Edu went for Partey instead, never making the call? I remember there was a report saying that but it may have not been credible.I think that October 17-December 26 period had shaken the faith in him, in fact I'd go as far as saying that it's completely changed how a huge chunk of the fans view him. It was pretty bad in fairness:
Ever since then obviously he's put Smith Rowe into the team and things have changed for the better. People will say he wasn't fit enough to play regularly before this and it might be true, but Arteta should've made that position a priority in the summer if he was going to force Özil out. He miscalculated on that front and it's probably cost the team a chance at top 4. It seems like he's learned from that mistake so that's a positive from a young coach.
I've been less harsh on him in recent weeks because apart from the Palace game at home, some things have been out of his control. Some poor finishing and refereeing against Wolves or a ridiculous mistake by Cedric at Villa. Even against Benfica, the performance wasn't great but Ceballos gifted them two goals. That's where I agree with the argument that he needs backing in the summer to improve, because now you can see a team developing he's just getting screwed by individual incompetence.
In terms of the football we have seen yes it has been poor, and Arteta has shown some favouritism. He has also concerned me in terms of his willingness to develop and play young players enough (e.g. Saliba, Martinelli, Balogun). His management of Saliba this summer will tell us a lot, if he wants him back and in contention to start then it means this season was more of an admin error and unwillingness to adapt to the situation, rather than being bad vibes Mik. I could be going into the season quite angry with Arteta and not having much time for him if he doesn't show signs of wanting to look at the medium term rather than the short.