Arsenal legend Paul Merson fears Mikel Arteta could also be axed at Christmas ought to the Gunners be out of title rivalry.
A 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday assured Arsenal a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League and ensured they completed second within the Premier League for a 3rd season working.
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However it’s now 4 seasons on the trot with no main trophy below Areta’s watch, with the solitary piece of silverware coming by way of the FA Cup within the 2019/2020 marketing campaign – the Spaniard’s first in cost on the Emirates Stadium.
The 2024/25 season marked the deepest Arsenal had gone in a home cup competitors because the FA Cup triumph as Arteta’s aspect reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, solely to be dispatched by eventual winners Newcastle United.
In addition they made it to the semis of the Champions League however have been left broken-hearted by Paris Saint-Germain.
Moreover, Arsenal have by no means made it past the fourth spherical of the FA Cup since Arteta’s first season in cost.
Given Arteta has overseen a switch spend of over £660million because the 2020/21 season and has no additional trophies to point out for it, Merson believes persistence could quickly run skinny amongst Arsenal’s prime brass.
“I believe Arteta’s received till Christmas… they must be within the prime two at Christmas to maintain on going,” Merson stated on Sky Sports activities.
“Subsequent season, if he will get to 4 seasons and no trophy… you’ll be able to’t.
“Everyone desires to play for Arsenal, it’s not like they’re struggling to get gamers. They’ve received the cash.
“For me, subsequent season they’ve received to be within the prime two by Christmas or they’ll go for another person. They’ll.
“It’s all the way down to timings, you’ve received to make alternatives. When it’s your time you’ve received to make it depend. You see it go in circles.
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“Take a look at Liverpool, they went 30 years with no league title, a membership like that. Then impulsively it comes spherical, bang, they win trophies. They’re there and thereabouts once more.
“I used to be at Wembley yesterday… I keep in mind when Man Metropolis have been needing to attain in opposition to Gillingham! However have a look at it now, I used to be strolling behind the followers they usually have been like [unbothered]. There was no devastation.
“And it’s turning, they’re not going to win 16 video games in a row. You’ve received to make it depend. Take a look at Man United now.
“I simply suppose Arsenal need to make it depend and that is the final yr…”
Arteta acknowledged the barren run of silverware following the win over Newcastle in what was the Gunners’ ultimate dwelling match of the season.
Addressing the gang on the Emirates Stadium, Arteta insisted there may be ‘far more’ to come back from his aspect however warned followers it will not be straightforward.
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“We had a dream, and it was to be right here now, or in every week’s time and bringing the massive trophies to you guys however we could not do it for a lot of circumstances,” Arteta stated.
“We’d like to ensure chasing a dream does not get blurry, and ensure we chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity subsequent season.
“We’ve began to create our personal historical past right here within the stadium.
“There may be far more to come back however it will not be straightforward. We’ve to do it collectively.
“Let me inform you, this group of gamers have the starvation, high quality, and expertise and we’re going to make it occur.”
Arteta and his aspect will look to finish the season on a excessive after they journey to already-relegated Southampton on the ultimate day of the season subsequent Sunday.
