25 May 2017 21:50:06
So Wenger has come out and said something happened at the beginning of the year that affected our form, and that one day he will say what it was.
Any ideas what it was?
25 May 2017 22:29:33
I'm sure ed002 said arsene nearly walked at the start. Intriguing to know why. Perhaps we'll find out one day.
25 May 2017 22:29:50
Well whatever it was seems to happen every year aboit the same time " ground hog day"
25 May 2017 22:55:23
Maybe he's referring to the Sanchez training ground bust up a few months ago?
26 May 2017 06:33:06
My gut feeling is that at the beginning of the year pressure was put on Wenger by Gazidis and the board. I believe that there are two scenarios depending on tomorrows result. If we win the cup, Wenger will dictate his terms to the board from a strongish position. He will want to retain full control, with no director of football. He will also feel that the fans will have been placated by winning a trophy, which happened to a certain extent after our previous two FA cup wins. If we lose, I believe he will depart for PSG, who failed to win the French league with Monaco finishing 8 points above them and were knocked out of the CL despite taking a 4-0 lead into the second leg against Barca.
26 May 2017 07:37:52
Arsene says and blames many things.
So far we've had the fans, the board, other teams being on holiday against our opponents, obviously the refs, injuries, fixtures.
Infact the only two things he hasn't pointed the finger at are himself and his team, which I think says everything.
After the Everton game he did come out and say that the whole drawn out saga over his future had affected the players which at the time I thought was Arsene taking some responsibility, but no it later transpired he was talking about the board making negotiations difficult by wanting to bring about change at the club which involved bringing in help.
Arsene certainly has his own unique little bubble where he is still invincible in his own opinion.
26 May 2017 08:01:20
62 I stopped listening years ago to him. But I do feel on tv independently he would be good to listen too. Imo take the french job after a season at psg and semi retire.
{Ed002's Note - I think the issue at the start of the season certainly hit AW - and perhaps the uncertainty at the time when many at the club thought he would walk away somehow impacted the team. However, we are are where we are now and and the critical thing is to get back in to contention for next season.}
26 May 2017 11:55:27
Well said Ed002.
{Ed002's Note - And it was nothing to do with the board.}
26 May 2017 15:46:59
We all definatly need to be pulling in the same direction, that's for sure.
26 May 2017 13:36:39
Excellently put Ed, we are where we are. I'd be very surprised if arsene isn't going to be our manager next year. We just got to get behind him and the team. Everyone keeps saying how he mentioned the fans and the atmosphere didn't help the team but I've not seen many people mention that's probably right. He can be difficult at times and frustrate people but we must stand united and back the team and show support. The fans being a 12th man can really help. Not going to start turning into delia smith here lol.
27 May 2017 08:51:09
No matter what the result Wenger will be the Manager at Arsenal next season .
27 May 2017 12:02:13
True eds.