MIKEL ARTETA will be given the boot by Arsenal if they lose to Norwich next weekend, Joe Cole has claimed.
The Gunners have endured a nightmare start to the new Premier League season, losing their first three matches against Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City and shipping nine goals.
Arteta’s troops are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League having yet to open their account for the season.
And former Chelsea midfielder Cole reckons the Spaniard’s reign at the Emirates could come to an unceremonious end if his side is bested by the Canaries next Saturday.
He told Coral: “The future at Arsenal is obviously up in the air.
“I know they’ve played Chelsea, they played Manchester City, the two best teams, but it’s the manner of both defeats.
“They had all pre-season to prepare for the Brentford game and they got it wrong on the day because they weren’t at it mentally.
“That has happened too much with the Arsenal. That’s not Arteta’s fault.
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“It’s been something that’s just been like damp getting into the woodwork at the club.
“In the two defeats against the big boys, it was like they laid down and died.
“I do like how Arteta has handled the situation. He is hardening as a manager, you can see that in him.
“So, I think he’s got that. He’s obviously a well-schooled coach because of his work with Pep. He’s a thoughtful guy.
“He’s in the storm at the moment. He has to find a result against Norwich and if he doesn’t beat Norwich, I think it’s probably the end for him.”
Arteta, 39, recently received a vote of confidence from Arsenal’s technical director, Edu Gaspar.
The former Gunners midfielder told Sky Sports: “I respect all the pressure [on Arteta].
“I came in from Corinthians and then the Brazilian national team where there is unbelievable pressure, just as here.
“I understand the fans. I understand the reason and I accept that, but we will need a bit of time to do what we plan to do.
“I know this type of work, when we are talking about signings, and needing patience hurts Arsenal fans a lot, but it is the reality.
“That’s why when I say to you we have to create a good foundation and to create a good foundation you need time.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
