Where manager Arsenal chiefs were 'considering' replacing Mikel Arteta with is now

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Mikel Arteta is on the brink of throwing it all away with Arsenal after losing to Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners fell to a 2-1 defeat, allowing the Citizens to claw back vital points in the Premier League title race.

While the Gunners still hold a three-point gap at the top of the table, Pep Guardiola's side could join them on 70 if they beat Burnley on Wednesday night. Arteta is now reliant on City dropping points elsewhere, while Arsenal must win every remaining game to taste domestic success this season.

Despite the disappointment of the weekend, Arteta has come a long way at Arsenal, given he could've lost his job back in 2020. The Spaniard had not long won the FA Cup, but the Gunners were in a slump and following a home defeat by Wolves, Arteta admitted he was facing the sack.

At the time, it was reported that Arsenal were planning for life after Arteta and had their eyes on a potential successor. Italian news outlet StadioSport stated that the Gunners were considering none other than former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. s

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The 67-year-old had spent one season with the Blues, helping them win the Europa League with a 4-1 thrashing of Arsenal in the final. Despite these growing rumours, Arteta turned things around in north London and continues to lead from the touchline to this day.

Meanwhile, Sarri is plying his trade as Lazio manager, who sit in a respectable ninth position after recently beating Serie A champions Napoli 2-0 away from home.

Sarri has been managing Lazio since 2021, with a 15-month break in the 2024/25 season after resigning of his own accord in March 2024.

In north London, Arteta has been on the verge of glory multiple times with Arsenal. They have finished second in the Premier League three times in a row and have reached various cup finals with little success.

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They last won a trophy in 2023, the Community Shield, beating City 4-1 on penalties. With the Premier League title hanging in the balance and a tough tie in the Champions League to come against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal could go trophyless once again this season.

Arteta is well aware of the pressure on his side but believes they can get the job done. Speaking post-City defeat, he said: "I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, a week ago, because I see them every day and I know the level that we have. But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced.

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