Arteta must prove he won't be remembered as Arsenal's 'nearly man'

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As Manchester City close in, the prospect of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal finishing second in the Premier League for a fourth successive season is an increasingly painful possibility.

Arsenal still have the opportunity for glory this campaign, domestically and in Europe's biggest competition, but they have now reached the point where another season that fails to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2020 will leave serious questions about Arteta and his players.

The Gunners simply must win a trophy this season to deliver the answer. To let it slip and finish empty-handed would be cruel, but this is the environment they are operating in.

Arteta and Arsenal must dismiss the growing noise, the noise around them now and the noise that will accompany them if they fall short.

This is not to suggest questions should be asked about Arteta's future - absolutely not - and he could still win a Premier League and Champions League, but if it does not work out as he hopes, he must go back to the drawing board once more to find a way to win.

Former Liverpool and England midfield man Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "I understand success is based on trophies, but ultimately let's say Arteta lost the Premier League on goal difference and lost the Champions League final, you have to give perspective.

"He's there or thereabouts. They are getting closer and closer. I know it's been a couple of years of finishing second. The squad is as good as it's ever been. There is talk if he doesn't win anything he should go, I think that's crazy."

Arteta laughed at suggestions he will now have to pick his players up, insisting if he had to do that in their current situation he "should be at home".

He said: "I'm very upset with the result because of the way we played. It's a new league now and we have three points advantage with five games to play. Everything is still to play for."