Arsenal fans suffered their annual midseason meltdown last week.

A consequence of watching their team concede a late Ashley Williams winner against Everton, and fall to pieces in a defeat at Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger’s side now sit nine points off the top and with Chelsea in scintillating form, another title bid appears to be fading.

Arsenal can take solace from their reasonably kind upcoming fixtures which could see the north Londoners fight back into the title picture.

In truth, it’s now shaping up to be yet another unfulfilling season. Some supporters are yet again calling for Arsene Wenger’s head and a replacement this summer.

One manager who is doing a fine job in the Premier League is Eddie Howe. The Bournemouth boss’ side continues to produce free-flowing football which has taken his side to mid-table in the division.

Could the The Cherries boss be in the running to replace Wenger? Here’s THREE reasons why Eddie Howe could be the next Arsenal manager…

HE HAS THE SUPPORT OF ARSENAL ASSOCIATES

The Bournemouth boss has received high praise from former Arsenal legend Bob Wilson, who suggests the 39 year-old is a certainty to feature on Arsenal’s manager list.

Just last week Southampton boss and former Arsene Wenger protege Claude Puel backed Howe to be the perfect successor as Arsenal manager.

Puel said: “Eddie has the same philosophy as Wenger. Eddie likes good technical players, like Arsene. If one day he can manage Arsenal, that would be a good choice.” (via The Mirror)

HIS SIDE’S FLUENT PLAYING STYLE

The Cherries style of free-flowing football demonstrates that Howe implements the same philosophy as Arsene Wenger. The fluent style has been successful with Bournemouth comfortably sitting mid-table.

His teams get the ball on the floor, they play through the lines, and he’s a very likeable man.

HE’S OVERACHIEVING

For many years following the move to The Emirates, Arsene Wenger was lauded for his over-achievements at Arsenal. Howe is doing something similar on the south coast.

The Cherries have shown no symptoms of the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’ that has seen so many promoted teams collapse during their second term of the top flight.

After comfortably surviving last season, Bournemouth have kicked on this campaign. Howe’s team sit 10th, seven points above the drop zone.