'Mikel Arteta won't walk away – but Arsenal will have a new manager if they go trophyless'

Former Liverpool and Man City midfielder Didi Hamann believes Mikel Arteta could be sacked if Arsenal finish this season without any silverware. The Gunners have led the way at the top of the Premier League for the majority of the campaign, but have lost ground to Manchester City in recent weeks. Defeat to Pep Guardiola's side last month saw City installed as favourites in many people's eyes, though Arsenal recovered with a win against Newcastle United last weekend. A win over Fulham would take the Gunners six points clear, but would have played two more games than their Premier League title rivals. The Gunners are also still in the Champions League , and their semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Arsenal are the slight favourites to make it through to the final, given they boast home advantage in the second leg, and will feel aggrieved not to be ahead after being denied a late penalty. If the Gunners are dumped out of the competition next week, Arteta and his side will be under serious pressure to win the Premier League, given they've been top of the pile since the beginning of the season. Although Hamann does not feel Arteta will walk away if the Gunners end the campaign without a trophy, he does feel like the clock is ticking. Speaking to NewBettingOffers, Hamann said: "I don't think Mikel Arteta will walk. I can say that because I think he always says how much he loves the club and how much he sees it as a privilege to manage the football club. "I don't think he'll walk away. But if they come out of the season empty-handed after people were talking about the quadruple only six or seven weeks ago, it will be disastrous. "Questions have to be asked because he's been there a number of years now. He was close to having to go a few times. I think the only trophy they won was shortly after he arrived, the FA Cup . They spent an awful lot of money. "I think if they were to get rid of him, it would be harsh because, even if they don't win a trophy, they've played a brilliant season. "But at the end of the day, football and sport is about winning. And if you don't win, it doesn't really matter. So, yeah, I think questions will be asked. "And if you ask me now, if they do come up empty-handed, I think it's more likely they get a new manager than not."