Ray Parlour believes Mikel Arteta will avoid the sack even if Arsenal fail to win a single trophy this season but has implored the Gunners’ boss to oversee a major clear-out in the summer.

Defeat at Southampton on Saturday represented a major shock to the system and means the north London club’s hopes of winning silveware now hinge fending of Manchester City’s Premier League challenge or claiming a first ever Champions League crown.

After so many nears misses over the last few years, the doubts have begun to creep in again about the mental fortitude of a squad which still has it all to prove.

Arteta will hope his stuttering side can get back on track against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday before a crucial game against Bournemouth this weekend which offers the chance to open up, temporarily at least, a 12-point gap.

Anything but three points against the Cherries would provide City with further impetus and with blood already in the water they are unlikely to need any second invitation.

With the games coming thick and fast, Arteta will likely need to rotate his squad and provide further opportunities to the players who let him down...