It seems to be a case of Europa League or bust right now for Arsenal.

After their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, the Gunners face the reality of a trophyless campaign without qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

They’re 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham - although they do have a game in hand against Man City tonight.

And while nobody expected them to beat Pep Guardiola’s side in the final, it was the manner of the 3-0 loss that shocked many.

And it even swayed many of the remaining #WengerIn campaign to join the #WengerOut bandwagon - that’s how bad it was.

And while the majority of the fanbase seems to have lost all trust in Wenger, it appears the players have his back.

MERTESACKER ORGANISED A MEETING

That’s because, according to The Sun, they organised a secret meeting behind the manager’s back after their defeat at Wembley.

But this wasn’t to moan about Wenger, it was to rally the troops in an attempt to turn around their season.

They reveal that it was captain Per Mertesacker that organised and led the meeting, with the squad “critical of each other’s performances and attitude.”

The German defender then warned them all that they could be playing to save Wenger - something he hoped would motivate them.

Of course, Mertesacker will become the Arsenal Academy manager at the end of the season and, ideally, would like to start that role under Wenger’s guidance.

WENGER ON HIS FUTURE

Despite reports suggesting the French manager could be leaving at the end of the season, rather than seeing out his two-year deal, Wenger insists he’s not worried about his future.

“We were not in the final by invitation, winning is not guaranteed," he said on Wednesday.

“I am quite amazed it’s such an earthquake we lost a final — it means that we have got our fans used to going to Wembley and winning.

“I have been here for 21 years and I always respected my contracts, so I am quite amazed that you ask me about it.

“My position is the least of my worries. I am just amazed because I have been here for 21 years and I turned the whole world down to respect my contracts.

“I am an employee and I give my best for the club that I love. The decision on when to leave has technically always been mine — and that will remain. It’s part of my job.”

News Now - Sport News