Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appear to have played a part in Chelsea's sacking of manager Thomas Tuchel after the German coach was relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning. It came after a difficult start to the new season for the Blues, who suffered defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League the night before.
A deflated Tuchel discussed the game after, saying: "Of course, I'm angry at myself, I'm angry about our performance, this is a huge underperformance from all of us. It's not precise enough, it's not clinical enough, it's not aggressive enough on the ball, it's not determined enough, it's not good enough individually, it's not good enough as a team."
The 49-year-old may feel hard done by after losing his job, delivering three trophies and six cup finals in his short time spent at the club. However, it appears as though the new ownership at the club wanted to take a different direction after doubts appeared over their progression.
READ MORE: Arsenal can sign their own Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr after 'mystery winger' transfer fee set
However, it appears as though Arsenal may have played a huge hand in the sacking before the season even got underway. The two London clubs faced each other in a pre-season match in USA, one that the Gunners were rampant in and won 4-0 on the day.
“I am far from relaxed,” the German said after the game to BBC Sport. “We were simply not good enough. We were simply not competitive.
"The worrying part is that the level of commitment physically and mentally for this match was far higher for Arsenal than for us. They [Arsenal] played I think what is their strongest line-up and structure that you see now for several weeks. This was the line-up they will try to start for Premier League games.
“It was surely not our strongest line-up. This is a part of an explanation but only a little part and the other part is worrying. I cannot guarantee we will be ready in two weeks.”
The manner of the defeat and the comments after may have sparked the decline towards his dismissal, with CBS Sports claiming that doubts began from the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal. While it was ultimately down to a collection of reasons, the London rivals certainly played their part in the decision.
READ NEXT:
Why Bukayo Saka isn't registered for Arsenal clash with FC Zurich ahead of Europa League opener
Edu's risky Arsenal summer transfer call is already proving to hand Mikel Arteta key £30m gift
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Albert Sambi Lokonga makes Mikel Arteta fume as Arsenal face biggest test of progress
Arsenal transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
