Mikel Arteta’s 20-month stint at the club has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. From winning the FA Cup in his very first season to finishing 8th in the league with no European football in his second season, Mikel has had a love-hate relationship with the fans. The Spaniard started off on a high as he was regarded and appreciated by all after winning the FA Cup, that winning feat continued as Arsenal won Community Shield in the next season as well, but things did not go as Mikel planned they would in the league as Arsenal finished 8th consecutively for two seasons, a feat that caused the Gunners to miss out on European football for the first time in 25 years.
After spending 120m in the transfer window so far, big things were expected from Mikel’s side. Injuries and Covid ruined the part as Arsenal suffered defeat in the very first game of the season against newly-promoted Brentford and went onto lose against arch-rivals Chelsea in the next game. This leaves Arsenal without even a single point in two games, the club’s worst start to the season in over 50 years. Arsenal are currently missing out on nine senior team players, some injured, while some have contracted with Covid.
After such a poor start to the season, gaffer Mikel Arteta is under a lot of pressure. Reports suggest that Mikel only has until the second international break in October to save his job. Arsenal have five fixtures till then, travelling to City, Burnley, and Brighton whilst hosting North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and newly-promoted Norwich City.
Even though the board is fully backing the manager right now and the poor start of the season is justified because of the unfortunate circumstances, they are ready to take a bold step if necessary.
If Mikel Arteta is sacked, then who becomes the new Arsenal manager?
Reports have suggested that ex Inter Milan manager, Antonio Conte could become the next Arsenal manager and is the club’s first choice. Leicester City’s gaffer, Brendan Rodgers is also a potential manager if Mikel Arteta is to be sacked.
