The word best and most commonly tossed around to describe Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal in recent years, this season in particular, is “farce”.
After another promising campaign that failed to deliver, the north London giants’ fan base are staring down the barrel of a gun that is a depressing trophy-less season.
The “In Arsene We Trust” slogan is not as common as before, instead making way for a new wave of “Wenger Out” hash tags and banners that have been seen on social media and at the Emirates Stadium.
But the question remains: with Le Prof’s dedicated and undeniably historical service to the club, are the cries for the 66-year-old to pack his bags disgraceful or warranted?
Wenger to walk if opposition doesn’t cease, despite backing from the board
Despite boasting the full backing of the board – mainly owner Stan Kroenke – this season could see the English Premier League’s longest-serving manager walk away from his position.
This is according to the Daily Mail, recently reporting that although Arsene Wenger is determined to stay on-board in London, he could leave the club if the bitterness and hostility from the fans fails to cease.
This is despite the fact that he has one more year remaining on his contract, though Le Prof will not walk away before laying the groundwork for his successor, with his previously-eyed candidate Pep Guardiola set for Man City.
Beckham rushes to the Frenchman’s defense
Whilst social media turned on Wenger, the 66-year-old received public support from a player who plied his trade during the Arsene heydays: David Beckham.
Strange media briefing around Wenger tonight. It's almost as if Club are encouraging fans to force him out
— tim payton (@timpayton) March 14, 2016
Wenger knows full well that if he went to a 'big' club he'd have been gone within a year or two, maybe sooner. Big clubs demand success.
— Highbury Harry (@BlackScarfAFC) March 15, 2016
Wenger still the best manager in the world?
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 15, 2016
He's not even the best manager within an 86 mile radius of Leicester.
Get REAL, Gooners. #afc
Why are Arsenal fans still engaging with AKB's? Nothing they have told us over the last decade has stood. It's The Arsenal! #Wengerout
— Erick Mwikya (@EMwikya) March 15, 2016
Wenger keeps saying he's the best man for the job...the same lie that Donald Trump is telling the USA. #WengerOut pic.twitter.com/1Ue2EjOkIw
— Gareth Jones (@gdjonesusa) March 15, 2016
There are some who continue to show support for Arsene, though
Not comfortable with the snide remarks being made about Wenger. As much as his time may be up, I don't think anyone wants him hounded out.
— Pablo (@AFCAMDEN) March 15, 2016
The retired England midfielder, who crossed paths with the Gunners boss during his Man United days, joined the debate on Instagram over whether Wenger should continue or leave, blasting the Frenchman’s critics as “attention seekers”.
“Disgraceful... No respect, attention seekers,” wrote the former Three Lions captain in response to a picture of that famous “It’s time to say goodbye” banner by Arsenal Worldwide.
Photos: David Beckham leaves his opinion on the 'Wenger Out' banner. [Instagram] #afc pic.twitter.com/VeYrh2ck2E
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) March 14, 2016
The Gunners’ recent form – the fuel behind all the hostility
With Arsenal facing a 2-0 deficit ahead of their Champions League away clash with Barca in the 2nd leg round of 16 fixture, their run in Europe is (probably) over. In the Premier League, the Gunners trail surprise leaders Leicester by a whopping 11 points, though with a game in hand.
A third consecutive FA Cup title appeared to be the north London giants’ most realistic shot at silverware, but the fans witnessed that opportunity go up in flames after Sunday’s shock 2-1 defeat to Watford.
The loss was the club’s third straight home defeat, a first since 2004, in a run of poor results that have casted Arsenal’s season into tragedy. Once favorites to lift the league crown ahead of England’s fallen giants Chelsea and Man United, they now face the prospect of finishing behind Spurs in third – possibly even fourth – for the 1st time in Premier League history.
In fact, from a possible 27 points since January 13, the FA Cup holders have only picked up 10 in the league, losing 5 and drawing 5, a dip in form which has seen fans clash in front of their home ground.
Here are Arsenal's results in all competitions since January 13, 2016 #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/xNX6LcCwdY
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) March 14, 2016
Wenger faces one of his most difficult spells as Arsenal boss, as the once loved manager is slowly turning into a hated figure. Arsene has weathered the storm on previous occasions, has stood the test of time whilst other managers were ousted, sacked, or resigned, yet it remains unclear whether the Frenchman will survive this latest turbulence, whether deserved or disgraceful.
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