Former Liverpool defender and TV pundit Jamie Carragher has warned that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be at risk of losing his job if he fails to deliver a major trophy next season.
Despite leading Arsenal to back-to-back second-place finishes behind Manchester City, and guiding the club to its first Champions League semi-final in 16 years, Arteta ended another season without silverware. His only major triumph in nearly six years in charge remains the 2020 FA Cup, secured just months after his appointment. Arteta has also added two Community Shields in 2020 and 2023, though critics often view those as minor trophies.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, Carragher expressed frustration over another season of near-misses for the Gunners. “This season felt like it should have been their season,” he said on Sky Sports. “There’s no doubt that next season the pressure will be on Mikel Arteta massively to win something big.
“The Arsenal board won’t want to change their manager, but if they go another year without a major trophy, the question will be asked. People will say: it’s been five or six years—can he actually take that next step?”
While Arsenal have not added significantly to their trophy cabinet under Arteta, his impact on the club is undeniable. When he took over in 2019, the Gunners were languishing in 11th place with a negative goal difference. Since then, he has overseen two of the highest Premier League points totals in the club’s history.
Carragher acknowledged the progress Arteta has made: “He’s done a brilliant job. But the fear for Arsenal is that they become like Chelsea are now—close contenders who suddenly drop off and don’t even qualify for the Champions League.”
He added, “That’s the dilemma facing Arsenal in 12 months’ time if they come close again but still fall short. Do they stick or twist?”