Squeaky Gun time

A club that has not been relegated from English football’s top division since 1913 then face fellow strugglers Brighton and West Brom in the week after the derby clash.

No wonder Mikel Arteta is running out of time to turn things around.

The Gunners boss said in the aftermath of their 4- 1 home defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night: “This is a crucial moment for us in the season and we have to do it this week.”

It might be 107 years since they last slipped into the second tier and their record against West Brom will give cause for optimism.

But they have lost more times against Brighton than they have won in the Premier League and it is almost honours even against Chelsea.

The Gunners board are determined to stand behind their man but all bets could be off after these next three games. yesterday Arsenal no outcome when Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in the FA Cup Final, as Arteta’s side beat Lampard’s Chelsea 2- 1 at Wembley?

But Lampard has urged Chelsea not to be the spark that ignites a turnaround when they visit the Emirates.

The Blues boss, a veteran of many a London derby as a player, said: “That rivalry remains. The players have to play with controlled passion.

But Arteta is under no illusions. His side have managed just five points from their last 10 games and rolled over against City.

He did receive a lift yesterday when Gabriel Martinelli, their best player in midweek until he came off injured, declared himself fit.

And the club are weighing up a loan move for Real Madrid misfit Vinicius Jr next month.

There was backing for Arteta from his former team- mate Petr Cech, now Chelsea’s technical and performance adviser.

“It’s hard when the results aren’t going your way and you’re trying to change the team and the philosophy at the club. It needs time,” said Cech.

“But you need results as well. So much is about confidence.”

One of the biggest weeks in their Premier League history will provide some of the answers.