How Much Longer Can Arsenal Give Mikel Arteta?

How Much Longer Can Arsenal Give Mikel Arteta? 

Arsenal haven’t been the same team for some time now, but the fall from grace has been particularly obvious during 2020. It is no coincidence that this coincides with the fact that Mikel Arteta was appointed in December 2019.  

There is a huge sentimental appeal to having a club legend turn team manager, just look at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United and Lampard at Chelsea. But when is enough, enough? At what point do you admit defeat, and accept that the job is just too big? In this article, we take a look at just how much longer Mikel Arteta can last at Arsenal.  

Arteta’s Record With The Gunners 

The 2020/2021 has been terrible for Arsenal so far, with The Gunners picking up just 13 points in their opening 12 games. This is Just 13 points out of a potential 36. Their match against Burnley on the 13th of December marked their 4th consecutive loss in the Premier League, for the first time since 1959. 

Arteta’s strong start to management was to be expected. The team were uplifted by his presence after Unai Emery’s departure, and the results reflected this. Unfortunately, it’s all gone very downhill since, and the fans have seen enough. 

A Short Priced Favourite For The Sack 

Mikel Arteta currently heads up the market for the next Premier League manager to be sacked, at a short 7/4. The other contenders are Chris Wilder and Slaven Bilic, priced at 2/1 and 3/1 respectively. If you fancy a punt, check out this list of the best betting sites before you do.  

It is no surprise to see that Arteta is expected to be the next casualty of Premier League management. Arsenal currently find themselves sitting in 15th place, just 5 points off the relegation zone. If something doesn’t change soon, it’s going to be hard to come back from. 

Other Sackings This Season 

There have been no sackings in the Premier League during 2020. This is likely down to the disruption in play because of Coronavirus, and more exceptions being made. The other English leagues have seen plenty, though. Most notable sackings have included Gary Monk from Sheffield Wednesday and Graham Alexander from Salford City. 

One of the most surprising sackings this year comes outside of the English leagues with Borussia Dortmund letting Lucien Favre go on the 13th of December. Despite only being 6 points off the top spot, it seems the 5-1 defeat at home to Stuttgart was the final straw. The German side are still playing some of the most exciting football in Europe, so it’s still worth considering a football trip to Dortmund.

So, How Long Does Arteta Have? 

Arsenal’s next challenge is against a very in-form Southampton on the 16th of December. The games keep coming thick and fast, with the team then facing Everton on the 19th of December, and City on the 22nd.  

There is a tough run of fixtures over Christmas for Arsenal, and in current form, it’s hard to predict just how many points they will pick up. One thing for sure is that Arteta will need to get something out of the game against Southampton to keep his job. If Arsenal lose on Wednesday, it’s hard to see him still being in charge come the weekend. 

The favourites to replace Mikel Arteta is Massimiliano Allegri, followed by Brendan Rodgers and Thomas Tuchel.