Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal future is hanging by the balance after yet another defeat on Tuesday night as Manchester City sent the Gunners crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a thumping 4-1 victory.
Arteta, who delivered FA Cup glory last season, was hoping to relieve some of the pressure placed on his shoulders with a positive display at the Emirates – but it was another night to forget for the Premier League giants.
Getty Images
Getty Images
Prior to that clash, Arteta suffered a fifth defeat in seven Premier League matches when Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at Everton last Sunday.
With Arsenal 15th in the table after 14 matches – their worst start to a season in 46 years – it is no surprise to see Arteta’s job come under increased scrutiny.
As well as Arsenal’s poor form, the Spaniard has had to put up with aimless red cards from Granit Xhaka and Nicolas Pepe in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has managed to score just one league goal from open play since signing a bumper new contract in September.
Next up for Arteta’s men is a crunch Boxing Day clash with London rivals Chelsea – which is LIVE on talkSPORT.
AFP
But, if Arteta is sacked, who will Arsenal turn to?
Bookmaker Paddy Power has six-time Serie A champion Massimiliano Allegri at 23/10 to replace Arteta, with Brendan Rodgers second favourite at 3/1 to take charge at the Emirates.
The former Liverpool boss has impressed during his time in charge of Leicester with his side second in the table heading into Christmas Day.
Other potential candidates include Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel and former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez, who is currently in charge of Dalian Professional in China.
Elsewhere, Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry are priced at 10/1 and 12/1, respectively, while Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard – currently in charge of Rangers – is 17/1.
There is also space on the shortlist for Mauricio Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham boss who remains out of work since his sacking last year. He is priced at 20/1, and Spurs fans would surely hate to see their hero head to the red half of north London over the coming weeks.
Next Arsenal manager odds
Odds correct at time of publication
- Massimiliano Allegri – 23/10
- Brendan Rodgers – 3/1
- Thomas Tuchel -11/2
- Rafa Benitez – 10/1
- Diego Simeone – 10/1
- Patrick Vieira – 10/1
- Thierry Henry – 12/1
- Gian Piero Gasperini – 14/1
- Freddie Ljungberg – 16/1
- Steven Gerrard – 17/1
- Roberto Martinez – 20/1
- Mauricio Pochettino – 20/1
- Mauricio Sarri – 25/1
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