Frankie Dettori has delivered a harsh verdict on Arsenal ahead of the Premier League grand finale.
The Gunners fan had his say on the team's run of form, which puts them on the brink of Champions League heartbreak. Losses to Tottenham and Newcastle in the last eight days have paved the way for rivals Spurs to secure their place in the competition.
Just a draw will be needed at Carrow Road in Sunday's final match to send them straight into it. Dettori, who will be hoping to have a more successful spell than Mikel Arteta's side in the big summer races, could not hide his disappointment in an interview with Sporting Index.
The ambassador for the sports spread betting company said: "Again we underachieved. We had a little bit of a run three parts into the season but everything fell apart again the last few games. Look, a club like Arsenal, we have got to be in Champions League. We can't year after year not being in Champions League.
"As an Arsenal supporter of course I'm disappointed. I think the last two games were shocking and now we are waiting on a miracle on the last game of the season."
Arsenal have not competed in the Champions League since 2016-17 and they spent the next four seasons in the Europa League. Eighth in 2021, it was their first spell without European football in a quarter of a century.
Mikel Arteta reflected on the current campaign in a prepared statement ahead of the last match against Everton. Despite many fans feeling the London club has missed an opportunity, the leader at The Emirates said there were positives to take forward.
“I think it's been a long journey again and a very challenging one this season, but I think that we have come a long way as a club and as a team, I think we have transformed the energy, the vibe and expectation of this football club again," he said.
“We've done it together, showing incredible unity between the staff, the players, everybody in the club, and especially with our people, which has been incredibly supportive throughout the season, especially in difficult moments.
“And now I can sense that I have the hope and expectations to move this club to the place that it deserves."
Next month, Dettori has leading claims of winning back-to-back renewals of the Epsom Oaks. He rides the favourite Emily Upjohn and believes she has the "same profile" as superstar Enable heading into the Cazoo-sponsored Classic on June 3.
The Sea The Stars filly is 6-5 with bookmakers Betfred to follow up her fluent York display, where she crossed the line five-and-a-half lengths in front.
"She's ticking all the boxes at the moment," Dettori said. "I'm delighted. She's favourite – Classics are never easy to win but I'm very pleased with her and let's roll the dice and go for it."
