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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces mounting pressure to deliver silverware next season—or risk losing his job, according to former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. Despite transforming the Gunners into Premier League title contenders, Arteta’s near six-year tenure has yielded just one major trophy (the 2020 FA Cup) and back-to-back runner-up finishes. After another season of near misses, Carragher warns that Arsenal’s hierarchy could face a “massive issue” if Arteta fails to clinch “something big” in 2024/25.
Carragher’s stark warning to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
Since taking over in 2019, Arteta has revitalized a club once languishing in 11th place. He’s overseen two of Arsenal’s highest Premier League points totals (88 in 2023, 86 in 2024) and guided them to their first Champions League semifinal in 16 years. Yet, the lack of trophies overshadows these strides.
“He’s done a brilliant job,” Carragher acknowledged, but Arsenal could easily become what Chelsea are right now.”
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Jamie Carragher emphasized the urgency: “Next season, the pressure will be on Arteta massively… The board will have a problem if they don’t win a major trophy.”
With Manchester City and Liverpool dominating domestically, and PSG ending their European dreams, Mikel Arteta’s project risks stagnation.
“Five or six years without a trophy? People will question if he can make the next step,” Carragher added.
The board’s dilemma
Arteta’s rebuild has restored Arsenal’s identity and competitiveness. However, the board’s patience isn’t infinite. The 2020 FA Cup and two Community Shields pale next to rivals’ hauls. Jamie Carragher notes the “conundrum”: stick with Arteta and risk continued near-misses, or gamble on a new manager and potentially unravel progress.
By the Numbers
1: Major trophy (2020 FA Cup) under Mikel Arteta.
2: Consecutive second-place Premier League finishes (2023, 2024).
5: Years since Arsenal last won a league title (2004).
Why this season is make-or-break
Mikel Arteta’s project hinges on 2024/25. With a refreshed squad—including marquee signings and emerging academy stars—expectations are higher than ever. Another trophy-less campaign could see fan patience snap, forcing the board’s hand.
“If Arsenal go close again but don’t cross the line, the questions will be deafening,” Carragher warned.
For Arteta, the equation is simple: convert progress into prizes, or face the axe.
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