Arsenal could reportedly consider sacking head coach Mikel Arteta if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The Gunners boosted their hopes of a top-four finish with five successive league victories between February 10 and March 13, but two defeats in their last three games, including a 3-0 away loss to Crystal Palace on Monday, has allowed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to leapfrog them in the table.
Arsenal currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, level on points with fourth-placed Spurs with a game in hand, while both West Ham United and Manchester United sit three points further back having played at least one game more.
The Gunners are still to face challenging fixtures against Chelsea, West Ham, Man United and Spurs, games which could potentially define their European destiny.
According to football.london writer Tom Canton, the possibility of Arteta facing the sack could be on the cards if Arsenal are unable to qualify for the Champions League.
Canton adds, however, that relieving the Spaniard of his duties may not be the wisest move as it could potentially unravel the forward-thinking foundations laid down by the 40-year-old.
Arteta, who has been in charge of the Gunners since October 2019, is currently under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2023.
Oliver Thomas
