Arteta comes under huge pressure following three successive defeats

Three games into the 2021/22 campaign, already some are calling for Mikel Arteta's head as the Arsenal coach comes under huge pressure following three successive defeats. But, he remains in the position.

The start to the season has been tough for Arteta and Arsenal, who have been dealt a difficult hand across the board.

Flagship signing Ben White is yet to make his competitive debut due to illness, while two other key players, Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe, have also been absent due to injury and illness.

Others, including left-back Kieran Tierney, returned against Manchester City but were far from their best, much like new arrival Martin Odegaard, who was clearly still gaining fitness.

The fixture list has not been kind either, pitting Arsenal up against two of the league's juggernauts, in Chelsea and Manchester City, in the first three matches, while newly promoted Brentford made their Premier League bow against the Gunners and remain without defeat.

Now, the Spaniard will hope for better fortunes. The next two fixtures for Arsenal pit them against Norwich City, who have also lost all three games to date, and Burnley, who lost their opening two.

An easier fixture list, while also expecting to have all three of the missing key players back after the September international break, should make for an easier task for Arteta.

Arteta is only Arsenal's third coach in 25 years and it seems unlikely that the board would rush into a decision to dismiss him so early on in the season, giving him a chance for redemption at a time when it may be fairer to judge him.

Arsenal will not face another one of last season's top six sides until they play Leicester at the end of October, giving the team a chance to rebuild confidence and form.

The opening weeks of the season, with nine goals conceded and not a single one scored, have been ugly for Arsenal, but there is hope that their performances and results can pick up soon.