Mikel Arteta sack claim shot down as ‘entitled’ Arsenal fans put in their place

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has won 179 of his 302 matches in charge since replacing Unai Emery, but he could face the axe if the Gunners don’t win the Premier League this season

Ex-England star Michael Owen has claimed that he doesn’t think Mikel Arteta should face the sack if Arsenal fail to win the Premier League this season. Arteta is approaching his six-year anniversary since becoming Arsenal manager following Unai Emery’s departure in November 2019.

During his time at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has won just one major piece of silverware. The Gunners lifted the FA Cup in September 2020 after beating London rivals Chelsea in the final at Wembley.

Although other trophies haven’t followed since, Arteta has helped transform the Gunners from a top-six side to a consistent title challenger on a year-to-year basis. Indeed, Arsenal have finished in second place in each of the last three seasons dating back to 2022/23 when they pushed Manchester City right to the wire.

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This season, though, appears to be Arsenal’s best chance of getting across the line and winning their first Premier League title in 22 years. The Gunners are, right now, three points clear at the top of the table, after eight matches, and look the outstanding team in the division with City, Liverpool and the others inconsistent.

But if Arsenal don’t win the title, there has been talk that Arteta’s job could be on the line. That’s something that former Liverpool and Manchester United forward Owen believes is not right and shouldn’t be the case.

“I don’t get that argument [about Mikel Arteta‘s job being on the line if Arsenal don’t win the Premier League],” Owen told Sky Bet. “Arsenal have been excellent for years. They’ve had more points over the last three seasons than anyone else.

“You can’t keep doing that and not win something eventually. Even finishing second isn’t a failure.

“Look at Liverpool – they’ve won two Premier League titles, but they’ve finished second plenty of times, as well. Manchester City have come second a few times in their recent history. People act like second is negative, but it’s not.

“Arsenal are getting closer. They got to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year and did better than any other English club. They are getting better all the time so if they were to sack Mikel Arteta, for finishing up second again, it’d be incredible.

“Clubs that keep changing managers, like Manchester United did, end up back at square one. Look at Arsenal when they parted company with Arsene Wenger – they are only just coming back into title contention now.

“If Arsenal keep faith, they’ll win trophies – no question. It’s not a God-given right – it’s the most competitive league in the world. Anyone demanding a title now is being entitled. It’s ridiculous.”

Arsenal are on a three-game winning streak in the Premier League, and six in all competitions, as they prepare to host Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Gunners have beaten Newcastle, West Ham and Fulham and will be hoping to add Palace, who are without a win in three themselves, to their top-flight streak.

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