ARSENAL could head into the New Year stuck in the relegation zone.
A shocking home defeat to Brighton last night leaves them in tenth but just five points clear of Everton occupying 18th spot.
Freddie Ljungberg has failed to get Arsenal firingCredit: Rex Features
In the last 10 matches they sit 14th in the form guide with just two wins and five draws.
But their last six has seen them go without a win including draws against relegation-threatened Norwich and Southampton.
With confidence at rock-bottom and the club without a permanent manager, it looks increasingly bleak heading into the crucial festive period.
And their run of fixtures does nothing to suggest that they’ll pick up many points this month.
On Monday they face a tough trip to West Ham – who sensationally beat Chelsea away from home last weekend.
That is followed up with a home clash against champions Manchester City.
Then it’s a run of four games in 12 days starting with Everton away.
Boxing Day sees them travelling to Bournemouth before a doubleheader against Chelsea and Manchester United.
Although unlikely, the Gunners could drop into the bottom three if they fail to win any of those matches and teams below them pick up points.
Newcastle have hit form while Brighton’s confidence will be sky-high after their win at the Emirates.
Burnley have winnable matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa while Southampton’s next three games come against teams in the bottom half.
If Everton beat Arsenal, they can then leapfrog the Gunners with a Boxing Day victory at home to Burnley.
Even Arsenal fan Piers Morgan is beginning to brace himself for a relegation scrap.
He said on Twitter: “Arsenal’s performance last night was so awful, I genuinely fear we may slide into a relegation battle.
“If we were played off the pitch like that by Brighton (who were excellent), I can’t even imagine what humiliation is coming when we play Man City next Sunday.
“Pray for us.”
If they do somehow end up in the bottom three, it will be the first time ever they have been in the relegation zone after playing more than two games.
Confidence in the Arsenal camp has hit rock-bottomCredit: EPA
Arsenal fans furious as Aubameyang leaves pitch for toilet break with Gunners chasing a goal against Brighton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
