Another week, another disappointing result for Arsenal. The Gunners dropped points again yesterday with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, which cast a shadow over any dwindling hopes of Premier League success.
In just a few months, Arsenal have gone from favourites for the title outright to battling for a top-four spot at Champions League football next term, with the Gunners conceding their third-placed spot to Manchester City over the weekend.
Now just four points above Manchester United, and with difficult fixtures still to play, there’s a concern that Arsenal’s season could get worse and it’s a scenario the fans couldn’t comprehend just a short while ago.
It’s the latest in a long-line of disappointments for Arsenal and their fans, with the bells now ringing loudly to call a time on Arsene Wenger’s reign in north London after his side left the field to a chorus of boos once again at the weekend.
For Arsenal, there’s simply not alternative to replacing Wenger over the summer and we’ve got five very good reasons why…
Hit the image below to see FIVE reasons Arsenal MUST sack Arsene Wenger!
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Woeful form
Arsenal’s results since the turn of the year have been woeful, particularly in the Premier League. Since throwing away a lead in the last minutes at Anfield, with the game finishing 3-3, the Gunners have won just four of 12 league fixtures.
That run includes just five clean sheets, with 13 goals conceded, and it’s come alongside a Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona, whilst the defining moment was arguably the shock defeat at the Emirates to Watford in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Following a morale-boosting victory over Leicester City in February, which seemed to put the Gunners back in the driving seat for the title, Arsenal went eight games without a win in all competitions.
Complete loss of fan support
The resounding chorus of boos which accompanied the Arsenal players off the field at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend showed once again that fan support for Arsene Wenger has lessened completely, which is understandable.
Amidst the poor run of form, there’s been protest, banners and fights amongst supporters. The ‘Wenger knows best’ camp has seen it’s members decrease on a weekly basis and the general consensus amongst supporters is that Arsenal won’t get back to their previous heights under the French boss.
If you don’t have the support from the fans, your days are certainly numbered.
Perfect time for change
Even if Arsenal were flying high and were winning everything, it would be difficult to argue that this summer isn’t the ideal time for a change in the furniture at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger marks 20 years in charge this summer, a fantastic achievement, but football has changed significantly.
Arsenal will probably face the biggest fight of their Premier League lives next year, as they look to challenge for honours and maintain their impressive record of qualifying for the Champions League, as the competitiveness has increased tenfold.
Manchester City will be led by Pep Guardiola, Liverpool have shown improvements under Jurgen Klopp, whilst Manchester United and Chelsea will splash the cash to get back to their best. Add high-flying Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and West Ham to the mix and things really get interesting, without even considering the likes of Southampton, Stoke and Everton.
Significant lack of progress
Barring the back-to-back FA Cup successes over the past two years, Arsenal have shown a significant lack of progress under Arsene Wenger. The Gunners haven’t finished in the top-two since the 2004/05 season, instead competing for fourth and third.
In Europe, Arsenal haven’t progressed past the Champions League Round of 16 since 2009/10 and have reached the final four of the competition just once since finishing runners up in 2006. For a side lack Arsenal, that lack of progression is concerning.
Arsenal no longer have to balance the books financially, as the Emirates Stadium dept has been wiped, so why has nothing changed?
Dwindling reputation
Perhaps the most significant reason for Arsene Wenger leaving is the fact his reputation at Arsenal is being severely harmed. Whatever happens, Wenger will go down as the most successful manager in the Gunners history but at this rate, he’ll be remembered for his struggles.
‘The Invincibiles’, two double-winning campaigns and some legendary purchases now seem to be a long, long time ago and, in comparison, Wenger is a different man to what he was ten years ago. He has to ask himself the question; what do I want to be remembered for?
If time isn’t called, his standing amongst Arsenal supporters will decrease further and will tarnish the tremendous work he has done.
