'Waiting to jump on Mikel Arteta' - Ex-Arsenal defender accuses fans of being ready to turn on Gunners boss if they fail to win Premier League or Champions League this season

Ex-Gunners defender William Gallas believes that the club's fans are ready to turn on Arteta if they fail to win the Premier League or Champions League this season and that they hold him responsible for their failure to land a striker in January.

He told Prime Casino: "Right now, the fans still believe that Arsenal can win the title because they have to believe. When you are a fan, you have to believe until the end that you're going to be champion. If Arsenal don’t win anything this season, most fans will say that is the reason. At the moment, the club is still in the race and everything is calm, but if that changes, I think some of the Arsenal fans are going to be furious and will be looking for someone to blame (for not buying a striker). I think most of them are just waiting to jump on Arteta. To express their emotion about that problem. I didn't really realize how some fans were so angry with Mikel Arteta about it. I know it’s social media and that isn’t exactly the environment for rational thought, but I’ve seen some crazy things on there. I was surprised. I didn't expect that. As I said, unfortunately, if Arsenal doesn't win anything, especially the Premier League or the Champions League, I don't think some fans will give any credit to Michel Arteta. I think the fans will still be mad because what they expect, what they want, is to win the Premier League."

Arsenal are very much in the Premier League title race and are into the last 16 of the Champions League, but still sit six points behind leaders Liverpool - and the Reds have a game in hand. After being pipped to the post by Manchester City for two seasons in a row, Gunners supporters are feeling exasperated that one seemingly vanquished foe (City) has been replaced by another (Liverpool). If they have another trophyless season, fans may call for Arteta to go.

Arsenal return to action on February 15 when they travel to Leicester City in the Premier League.