Arsene Wenger's Odds Slashed In Next Premier League Manager To Be Sacked Betting

Instead of the usual feelings of expectation, excitement and promise that a new season brings, the mood around the Emirates Stadium is currently downcast and sceptical following Arsenal's tepid start to the new season. The Gunners now face a crunch week with a Champions League qualifier followed by a trip to Man Utd that could set the tone for the season ahead. Whatever the outcome, what is concretely evident is that Arsene Wenger faces the sternest test of his managerial career. In the Next Premier League Manager To Be Sacked betting market Paddy Power have slashed the Frenchman's odds to just 6/1, making him one of the favourite's to depart first.

Arsenal continued their unconvincing start to the 2011/12 Premier League season with a lacklustre 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday. After a difficult week the supporters were desperately craving a performance of heart and spirit but were left bitterly disappointed at the final whistle, whereby they let their feelings clear with a chorus of deafening boos. It was perhaps a kick in the teeth that Arsenal's best player was Samir Nasri – who is on the verge of a move to Man City – as the Frenchman was constantly trying to up the tempo and push his side forward. What was crystal clear was Arsenal's lack of attacking prowess, in stark contrast to the days of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp when the club had one of the most feared frontlines in Europe.

Wenger now has less than two weeks to reinvest the Cesc Fabregas money in some top quality players. If Nasri, as expected, does decide to move up North to Manchester then it is essential that Arsenal sign a player to fill his void. The Gunners are also in desperate need of some power, steel and experience at the heart of midfield. They have a number of talented youngsters at their disposal but they need a level head who can keep the team controlled and calm when they are under pressure. Wenger's stubborn refusal to splash the cash could turn out to be his downfall and it is crucial that he acts quickly and snaps up some signings to get the supporters behind him.

The Gunners head to Italy on Wednesday with a very awkward prospect of protecting their slim lead 1-0 lead over Udinese. The tie is still very much in the balance as on last week's evidence the Italian club are a real threat with heaps of potential and bite. Arsenal are priced at 11/5 to win in Italy, with Udinese available at 5/4 and a draw 23/10. Arsenal are the odds on 2/7 favourites to qualify with Udinese handed odds of 9/4 with Paddy power.

There is no denying that Wenger is one of the best managers to have ever graced the Premier League, but if the club's poor start to the season continues and he fails to bring in some players before transfer deadline day then the fans could turn on him and put his 15-year stay with the club in jeapody. Paddy Power have installed Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola as the 6/1 favourite in the Next Permanent Arsenal Manager Betting, with the new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas priced at 8/1 and Louis Van Gaal at 10/1.

All odds supplied by Paddy Power.