Mikel Arteta has put huge doubt over Arsenal's chances to get out of their current situation by admitting his team could be in 'big trouble.'
The Gunners were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup quarter final, to bring up their fifth loss in the past eight games in all competitions.
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Arteta has also seen his side fail to win any of their previous seven games in the league and they have plunged close to a relegation battle.
The side take on Chelsea on Boxing Day followed by games against Brighton and West Brom, the latter just two and seven points behind them respectively.
It could be a massive period for the north London side and their manager admitted that they could be in 'big trouble' if their form doesn't improve quickly.
"We have to turn it around, there's no question," the Spaniard told Sky Sports on Tuesday.
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"If we don't, we are in big trouble. That's the moment that's going to decide our season."
Arteta took over the side last season, after Unai Emery was sacked, and was initially praised with getting his side playing better and getter results.
His work at the end of the season culminated with huge wins over Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and final to win his first trophy as a manager.
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They followed that up by beating Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield but early season optimism has quickly disappeared with their form.
Speaking after the game, Jamie Redknapp claimed that the FA Cup win was keeping Arteta in a job. "[He is under an] enormous amount [of pressure] because this is a results-driven business and the results haven't been good enough," the pundit said on Sky Sports.
"What's saved him a bit is the money he has in the bank because he won the FA Cup, they've been incredible in cup competitions but right now they're a team that's lacking form.
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"When I think about Arsenal over the years, it's a team that had so much style going forward, but this team is lacking so much confidence; there's a lot of talk about dressing room unrest which doesn't help when people are talking from outside.
"He needs to quieten everyone down with some results. I do fear for him, because this job is a difficult one if you have 1000 games, let alone being in the job for two minutes."
Things started dreadfully for the 38-year-old on Tuesday night, coming up against his former boss Pep Guardiola, with Gabriel Jesus giving City the lead after just three minutes.
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The hosts did get back on level terms but Alex Runnarson's mistake at the start of the second half started the collapse and they eventually lost 4-1.
After their run of three games in eight days in the league, Arsenal start the defence of the FA Cup against Newcastle United, who also crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Manchester City, Football News, Carabao Cup, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
