Mikel Arteta’s job will be in jeopardy if Arsenal don’t finish in the top four next season, says Paul Merson.
The Gunners got off to a poor start to the 2021/22 season – losing their first three games – but recovered to challenge Tottenham for the top four towards the end of the campaign.
Arteta’s side, however, narrowly fell short as Antonio Conte’s Spurs finished fourth over their North London rivals.
Arsenal have moved to players like Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner this summer, while an announcement for the arrival of Gabriel Jesus is imminent.
Merson has failed to qualify for the Champions League in the past three seasons and if they don’t next season, Merson thinks Arteta could be in trouble.
“Arsenal is no longer a project and Mikel Arteta has to show that he can perform or his job will be in jeopardy,” Merson told the Daily Star.
“It has to start now. This is it. They have to make it to the top four. If they don’t, I think he could be in trouble. He cannot keep giving everyone this sense that Arsenal is a work in progress. It is now time to deliver. This is the football club of Arsenal. Arteta failed last season. He now has to get them in the Champions League. He must not fail again.
‘The board seems very happy with him and the ground is full every week. But Arteta is starting to sound like Roberto Martinez. Martinez has this way of talking after his team loses, which is like the scene from Men In Black when they flip the switch and everyone forgets how awful it has been.
‘Arteta does it too. He talks after a game and suddenly makes you think, ‘Oh, it wasn’t that bad.’ When it was.
“That has to change this season. I think it’s all or nothing. And I don’t think there’s a better chance of getting into the top four if I’m being honest. Chelsea still look good for third place. But Manchester United are still confused in my opinion and Tottenham have Champions League football to distract them. Arsenal have a great opportunity here and must grab it with both hands.
“If they finish outside the top four, but with the Europa League… No problem. Because that’s a big trophy and that will get you into the Champions League. But Arteta has to somehow get them in because they had a great opportunity last season and they ruined it.”
MORE : Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere delivers his verdict on Tottenham signing Richarlison
MORE : Youri Tielemans told to choose Man United over Arsenal as transfer saga continues
For more stories like this, check out our sports page†
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news about
facebook, Twitter and Instagram†
