Odds On Mikel Arteta To Be Sacked Slashed After Europa League Exit

The odds of Mikel Arteta being sacked have been 'slashed' following Arsenal's elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Villarreal.

On Thursday night the Gunners knew they 'only' needed a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium to go through to their second Europa League final in three seasons.

The Premier League side could have been well behind Villarreal after the Spanish side dominated the first leg but a late goal from Nicolas Pepe had provided some help.

Instead it was embarrassment for the north London side as they were knocked out of the competition by Unai Emery, less than two years after he took them to the final, following a 0-0 draw.

That elimination has led to the odds to dramatically fall on Arteta being the next Premier League manager to be sacked.

Betfair have made the Spaniard 15/2 to be the next man out, when just yesterday they were at 14/1. Only Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves and Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace are considered more likely to leave their club.

Arsenal players dejected whilst Villarreal players celebrate at full time. Image: PA Images

Top of the odds to replace the former Everton midfielder is Massimiliano Allegri, at 13/5, the former Juventus manager is currently out of work.

The Italian left the Old Lady in 2019, having won five Serie A titles in-a-row, and has been out of work since, despite being linked with many top jobs.

After that Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who recently ruled himself out of the Tottenham Hotspur job, is 3/1 to be the next Gunners' boss.

Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, who is out work after leaving China, and Diego Simeone, who is currently leading La Liga with Atletico Madrid, are both 10/1.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown said the pressure was on for the manager, following Arsenal's draw on Thursday, "He's a young manager. There's been too much chopping and changing this year," he told BT Sport.

"It didn't work in this tie and that's where he was outsmarted by the previous manager - and that's where it becomes embarrassing for the club, for the owners.

"Then the spotlight comes on his position. That's it, you've got to be a quick learner as a manager.

"I'm not saying he's not going to stay in the job, that decision is one that will be made through the summer, but we know it's going to have to be an incredible start to the season next year if he stays in the job.

"He's under huge pressure now."

Topics: Football, Europa League, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta

Ryan Sidle

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