Mikel Arteta won't look back on the current season with much fondness - Arsenal will likely end up outside European competition for the 2021/22 campaign. However, ex-Gunner John Hartson sees no sense in sacking Arteta.
"I'm not saying Arteta has had a great season because it's been disappointing," Hartson told the PA news agency.
"But he's a young manager and there have been some positives and improvements as well. The club made the decision to bring him in and I think they'll back him. I think that's the right thing to do.
"I know people are suggesting he's not experienced enough, but he's made some big calls in terms of leaving players out. He's shown that steeliness you need when you become a manager.
"He showed again at Chelsea that he can win the big games when Arsenal are disciplined and defend properly.
"He's had a full season now after winning the FA Cup and I don't see the owners wanting to chop and change after Unai Emery lasted less than two years at the club."
Twice this season it looked like outside pressure was getting too much for Arteta to handle - in December and just last week after the Villarreal draw - yet it looks like people making decisions at the club intend to give the Spaniard another chance.
Mik has certainly not been spotless this season, making a number of questionable decisions at different points and a mid-table finish grates. Let's just hope we look at this season as the equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson's 1989/90 season.
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