Arsene Wenger experienced the worst scenario of his managerial life from his own fans on Saturday evening. The Gunners boss was subjected to boo and jeers during his side narrow 1-0 win over Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium on yesterday.
The Gooners were frustrated with Wenger’s management which has failed to deliver the Premier League title in the last 12 years and are desperate to get him out of the club at all cost.
Banners with different descriptions were displayed at the 12th and 78th minutes of the match, signifying the 12 years the league title has eluded the club. The London club last won the cup during the invincible era of 2003/2004 season.
There was division among the fans yesterday and according to the Guardian, there were about 300 banners held by the fans. While some showed their solidarity support for the Frenchman, others called for his head. Some banners read “Time For Change”; “Every Good Story Has An Ending”;
“Support the Team Not the Regime, Wenger Out; while there were also chants of “One Wenger”.
Speaking about the boos after the match, Wenger said: “That we respect the opinion of everybody and that we give absolutely the best. I have commitment to this club. I care for the club and the fans. I cannot make them all happy, of course, but we will continue to work hard to achieve it.
And it was obvious Wenger’s decision to replace Alex Iwobi with Danny Welbeck angered the home fans the more. They had expected Olivier Giroud to make way instead, giving that the Frenchman has not found the back of the net since January. He however, against all odd set up Welbeck’s goal.
The club has also not found it easy in the Champions League and have not made it to the semi-final of the competition in the few seasons.
Winning the FA Cup in the 2013/2014 season ended the club’s nine-year of no trophy and it was successful defended the following season. But no silverware in sight this season.
There is no doubt that the manager would remain at the club next season and the outcome of Saturday protest shows that only but a fraction of the fans are of the opinion that he packs his bags. Therefore, it is best interest that the warring parties shield their sword and support the team.
