Arsenal legend Paul Merson fears Mikel Arteta may be axed at Christmas should the Gunners be out of title contention.
A 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday guaranteed Arsenal a spot in next season’s Champions League and ensured they finished second in the Premier League for a third season running.
But it is now four seasons on the trot without a major trophy under Areta’s watch, with the solitary piece of silverware coming via the FA Cup in the 2019/2020 campaign – the Spaniard’s first in charge at the Emirates Stadium.
The 2024/25 season marked the deepest Arsenal had gone in a domestic cup competition since the FA Cup triumph as Arteta’s side reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, only to be dispatched by eventual winners Newcastle United.
They also made it to the semis of the Champions League but were left broken-hearted by Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, Arsenal have never made it beyond the fourth round of the FA Cup since Arteta’s first season in charge.
Given Arteta has overseen a transfer spend of over £660million since the 2020/21 season and has no further trophies to show for it, Merson believes patience may soon run thin among Arsenal’s top brass.
“I think Arteta’s got until Christmas… they will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going,” Merson said on Sky Sports.
“Next season, if he gets to four seasons and no trophy… you can’t.
“Everybody wants to play for Arsenal, it’s not like they’re struggling to get players. They’ve got the money.
“For me, next season they’ve got to be in the top two by Christmas or they’ll go for someone else. They will.
“It’s down to timings, you’ve got to make opportunities. When it’s your time you’ve got to make it count. You see it go in circles.
Sky SportsMerson fears for Arteta’s future should Arsenal be out of the title race come Christmas[/caption]
“Look at Liverpool, they went 30 years without a league title, a club like that. Then all of a sudden it comes round, bang, they win trophies. They’re there and thereabouts again.
“I was at Wembley yesterday… I remember when Man City were needing to score against Gillingham! But look at it now, I was walking behind the fans and they were like [unbothered]. There was no devastation.
“And it’s turning, they’re not going to win 16 games in a row. You’ve got to make it count. Look at Man United now.
“I just think Arsenal have to make it count and this is the last year…”
Arteta acknowledged the barren run of silverware following the win over Newcastle in what was the Gunners’ final home match of the season.
Addressing the crowd at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta insisted there is ‘much more’ to come from his side but warned fans it won’t be easy.
beIN SPORTSThe Spaniard vowed to bring more silverware back to the Emirates next season[/caption]
“We had a dream, and it was to be here now, or in a week’s time and bringing the big trophies to you guys but we couldn’t do it for many circumstances,” Arteta said.
“We need to make sure chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry, and make sure we chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season.
“We have started to create our own history here in the stadium.
“There is much more to come but it won’t be easy. We have to do it together.
“Let me tell you, this group of players have the hunger, quality, and talent and we are going to make it happen.”
Arteta and his side will look to end the season on a high when they travel to already-relegated Southampton on the final day of the season next Sunday.
