Mikel Arteta handed brutal sack warning as major Arsenal issue spelled out

Second place is not good enough for Arsenal this season and Mikel Arteta's position could come into question without a trophy, according to Alan Shearer. The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker believes Arteta is under pressure to deliver success this term.

The Gunners have finished as Premier Leaguerunners-up three seasons in a rowand failed to secure a trophy since they won the FA Cup during Arteta's first season in charge of the club. Without silverware, Shearer reckons that the Spaniard's job could be in jeopardy.

The pressure placed upon Arteta has only increased due to the vast sums the north London side have spent in recent years. In the summer, Arsenal splashed out more than £250million to land the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, among others.

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That is still well short of Liverpool's summer spending, as the Reds almost matched that fee bybreaking the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, and added Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Shearer does not believe Arteta will be afforded any grace in delivering success, however. Speaking to Betfair, he outlined the pressure the former midfielder is under.

"It's harsh to say Arteta is not the man to take Arsenal forward," he said. "He knows the rules, as does everyone else, particularly when you spend that amount of money.

"They've spent a fortune in the summer, but I guess that only adds pressure on to say that you have to be successful this season. I don't think anyone would disagree with that, even Arteta himself.

"Second is no longer good enough for Arsenal. This team and this squad have to win big trophies, and we know what happens if that doesn't happen."

Arsenal recorded a draw against Manchester City at the weekend in a boost to the title hopes of pacesetters Liverpool. But Shearer reckons there was some promise to take away from the stalemate

"The draw was a great result for Liverpool already with Arsenal getting the equaliser. They were much better in the second half. They were very cagey in the first half and didn't really go out and open up.

"Very rarely have you seen a Man City team be dominated in possession like that and Pep takes his main centre-forward off to try and soak up pressure and hit teams on the break.

"I know Pep came out and said about the number of games and tiredness and all those things but you're not getting any sympathy from anyone if you're Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea. Particularly with their squads and the money that's been spent."

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