Mikel Arteta 'thinks he's going to get sacked' as body language expert gives insight into 'absolutely furious' Arsenal manager's behaviour

Fears over job security

Arsenal’s domestic campaign has reached a critical juncture following a run of three defeats in their last four matches, including a damaging

Arteta left angered at loss to Bournemouth

According to Stanton, the Arsenal manager displayed overt physiological signs of stress and suppressed fury during his media duties following the setback on the weekend. The analysis highlighted specific non-verbal cues, such as lip suppression, which indicate a significant internal struggle to remain professional while dealing with mounting frustration.

Analysing the Spaniard's press conference for

Signs of internal distress

The analysis further suggests that the pressure of the title race and the significant financial investment in the squad have left Arteta feeling particularly vulnerable. Stanton noted that the manager’s increased blink rate and expressions of contempt point toward a lack of confidence in his longevity at the Emirates Stadium.

Detailing the signals of anxiety regarding the manager's current standing, Stanton added: “We can see he knows this loss to Bournemouth is not going to put him in a good light as the manager. We see pierced lips, increased blink rate which has effectively doubled, and clear signs of stress and anxiety over his own situation. He is feeling the pressure.

"There are clear expressions of contempt too. He thinks he is going to get the sack at this rate given the position his Arsenal team had been in just a few weeks, the money that has been spent on players he wanted, and the signs of this are overt. It’s clear there is a big internal shift going on in Arteta’s emotions. It is as if, mentally, he is pacing from side to side, exercising all this anxiety, frustration and anger. Arteta is giving off all the signals of someone who doesn’t believe he’s going to be around for much longer.”

Crucial title run-in

Arteta must arrest a slump of one win in four games to protect Arsenal's six-point lead over City, who crucially hold a game in hand. Following the pivotal showdown at the Etihad next Sunday, the Gunners face Newcastle United in late April before a busy May schedule against Fulham, West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Failure to rediscover the form that yielded 21 wins in the league could see the board's patience become broken beyond repair as the pressure of this intense title race reaches its peak.