Arsene Wenger’s losing support from Arsenal faithful
Confusion and chaos in the capital continue as Arsenal fall seven points below Champions League contention.
The #WengerOut campaign acquired a fair amount of fresh supporters after Arsenal’s 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Thus far, Arsenal fans have protested before a Champions League match and flown a plane with a message encouraging the Frenchman’s sacking. However, the Wenger Out movement reached new heights following the April 10 loss.
The scene at Selhurst Park was one of disgust from the away fans following an embarrassing loss to the Gunners’ lesser London rival.
The Arsenal faithful’s voices rang loud and clear as “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” echoed through the ground. The chants, directed at Wenger and his players, represent the fanbase’s frustration with the manager reaching its climax.
After a 2-1 win over Burnley in week 22, the Gunners found themselves second in the table.
However, Arsenal has since dropped points in six of the last eight league games (2-5-1).
The 3-0 defeat positions Arsenal seven points below the top four and 21 points beneath league leader and London rival Chelsea. Arsenal sits sixth in the table with 54 points, level with Everton, but leading by goal differential (+1).
Since Wenger took over in 1996, the Gunners have never finished outside the top four. Wenger captured three Premier League titles in his first seven years, but has since failed to finish atop the league.
With the Gunners on a fast track to miss out on a top four finish, Wenger’s consistent Champions League qualifications simply do not look to satisfy the fans any longer.
Despite qualifying for the Champions League for 18 consecutive years, Wenger has failed to win the competition.
Since their league win in 2004, the Gunners have failed to bring in trophies in any competition except for the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Fans displayed their displeasure with Wenger on ArsenalFanTV, saying it’s time for the manager to “walk” and calling the Crystal Palace loss “embarrassing.”
Ever since the two planes flew high above The Hawthorns nearly a month ago, Arsenal’s fan base has become increasingly frustrated with Wenger.
However, the Frenchman’s support has not only diminished in the UK.
The campaign reached unprecedented territory earlier this month as ‘Wenger Out’ signs appeared across the world at random, most notably at a WWE event in the United States.
Wenger was in no mood to discuss his future following the loss to Crystal Palace.
The Gunners boss once again shrugged off questions regarding his future in the post-game presser. The longtime Gunners manager has hinted at a return next season, stating confidence in himself as a manager.
Wenger (67) seems to have lost support from his players, which glared apparent in the 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Next: Wenger wants to stay, despite fan criticism
The Frenchman denied talks with Paris Saint-Germain, who have shown interest in bringing Wenger back to France.
All signs point towards Wenger returning to lead the Gunners for the 2017-18 season. With management showing unwillingness to listen to the fans’ desires, the decision will likely lie solely with Wenger.