Former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Didi Hamann has warned that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could face the sack if the Gunners end the current season without any silverware. The north London side have led the Premier League standings for much of the campaign, but recent results have seen them lose ground to Manchester City.
Title Race Heats Up
Arsenal suffered a crucial defeat to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City last month, allowing City to become the favourites in the eyes of many observers. However, Arteta's team responded with a victory over Newcastle United last weekend. A win against Fulham would put the Gunners six points clear, though they would have played two more matches than their title rivals.
Champions League Hopes
Arsenal remain in contention for the Champions League, with their semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid. The Gunners are slight favourites to advance, given they host the second leg, and they felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a late penalty in the first match.
If Arsenal are eliminated from Europe next week, the pressure on Arteta and his squad to secure the Premier League title will intensify, especially having been top of the table since the start of the season.
Hamann's Verdict
Speaking to NewBettingOffers, Hamann said: "I don't think Mikel Arteta will walk. I can say that because I think he always says how much he loves the club and how much he sees it as a privilege to manage the football club. I don't think he'll walk away. But if they come out of the season empty-handed after people were talking about the quadruple only six or seven weeks ago, it will be disastrous."
Hamann added: "Questions have to be asked because he's been there a number of years now. He was close to having to go a few times. I think the only trophy they won was shortly after he arrived, the FA Cup. They spent an awful lot of money. I think if they were to get rid of him, it would be harsh because, even if they don't win a trophy, they've played a brilliant season. But at the end of the day, football and sport is about winning. And if you don't win, it doesn't really matter. So, yeah, I think questions will be asked. And if you ask me now, if they do come up empty-handed, I think it's more likely they get a new manager than not."
Arsenal's next few days are crucial, with the Champions League second leg and key Premier League fixtures looming. Arteta's future may hinge on the outcomes.
