Arne Slot is not the only one feeling the heat in the wake of another action-packed top-flight weekend as the pressure of the Premier League run-in threatens to take its toll.
Slot has been told by Sky pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher that there can be no excuses if he fails to seal his side’s return to the Champions League for next season.
Meanwhile, it is squeaky bum time in north London as Arsenal’s late loss to Manchester United leaves fans fearing a fourth consecutive runners-up finish could be on the cards.
Carragher fires warning to under-pressure Slot
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes head coach Arne Slot would not have “a leg to stand on” if they do not qualify for the Champions League.
Defeat at Bournemouth, coupled with wins for Manchester United and Chelsea, dropped Slot’s side to sixth, two points below fourth place in the Premier League table.
They have a chance to book their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League against Qarabag on Wednesday, but Carragher does not think they will qualify for next year’s elite European competition domestically.
“I think some of the criticism and the disrespect he’s had from supporters is far too much, considering they won the league title last season, but if he doesn’t qualify for the Champions League, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on,” Carragher told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Odegaard insists Arsenal can build on previous near-misses
Martin Odegaard says Arsenal’s catalogue of near-misses must serve as fuel rather than fear as they bid to bounce back from their Manchester United setback.
The Gunners remain in pole position to land their first title in 22 years, but Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester United raised fears among fans who have witnessed three consecutive runners-up finishes.
Odegaard dismissed the notion that the nerves from the crowd, which seem to be growing with every passing game, are spilling on to the pitch and instead called on his team-mates to “stick together now more than ever”.
“Obviously (finishing second for three consecutive seasons) is a factor, but it can be a good factor too. It gives you more fuel and more hunger and determination to get it done,” said Odegaard.
“We have experienced in all those seasons that it is a long run and a lot of things can happen. It is time to stick together more than ever, look for the next game and bounce back.”
Tavernier urges Rangers to remain patient in title hunt
James Tavernier will work hard to ensure there is no let-up at Rangers after they closed the gap on William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts to four points with a 3-0 win over Dundee.
The Jambos’ 2-2 draw with Celtic at Tynecastle meant Rangers leapfrogged the Hoops by two points to sit on the shoulder of Hearts, who were 13 points clear when Danny Rohl took over from Russell Martin in the Ibrox dugout in October.
Tavernier said: It was obviously early days in the league and it’s a long season. You’ve always got to back yourselves no matter what, doing that by winning games.
“I said earlier in the season that we have to have that consistency and I believe we’ve started that and really shown our potential and it just has to continue.”
Eddie Howe expresses his faith in injury-hit squad
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has put his midfield understudies on Champions League red alert as injuries threaten to derail his mission to dent the holders’ defence.
The Magpies face Paris St Germain on Wednesday sitting in seventh place in the table, one below the reigning champions by virtue only of goals scored and knowing victory would almost certainly send them directly through to the knockout stage.
However, they will launch their preparations with major doubts over skipper Bruno Guimaraes and fellow Brazilian Joelinton, two-thirds of Howe’s first-choice midfield, and that could mean significant roles for the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga at the Parc des Princes and beyond.
Howe said: “They’re all big players for us and desperate to play, and I don’t doubt their qualities – all three of them – for a second.
“I’ve got no doubt in the next group of games, they’re going to be really important. They’re going to get their opportunity to showcase what they can do and the only thing they can do is every time they play, impress with their attitude and desire and commitment to the team.”
What’s on today
League One takes centre as leaders Cardiff look to consolidate their strong position at home to Barnsley, while Lincoln face Bradford in a top-of-the-table clash at the LNER Stadium. League Two leaders Bromley are at home to Crewe.
