Arsene delivers style on and off the pitch in touching farewell

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What a party that was! I mean, I wasn’t quite there, but in spirit, we all were. Fans from around the world tuned in to bid Arsene Wenger farewell, and to say #MerciArsene.

The man came, he saw, he conquered… he went a bit off the rails for 8 odd years, but overall, I think in time we’ll forgive the banter years, and maybe even embrace them.

Yesterday’s beasting of Burnley was fitting. An exuberant show of football to see out 22 years. 5 excellent goals, beautiful clear skies, a packed house at The Emirates. It was lump-in-your throat time after the game as Wenger did his final lap of honour. What a career that man has had. What an impact he’s had on the clubs brand of football, he took us from boring, boring, Arsenal, to the must-see club in world football. His ability to keep the team afloat during the skint years will be looked back on as legendary. He’ll always have the honour of putting the first three trophies in the new grounds trophy cabinet.

He’s been a monumental part of our history. No doubt about that.

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As for the football, well, it was all great fun. It was the testimonial match we’d been hoping for. Some interesting curiosities came out of the game, but before we get into the details, what about Mesut fucking Ozil? He missed training the day before, fretting over a back injury… sure mate, we’ve all been there ducking rugby class in sub-zero temperatures back in the day. You have to get it into your heads people, Mesut doesn’t give a fuck about Arsenal. The rest of the boys all paid their respects, Mesut wimped out. In fact, he’s so prolific at not turning up for games he doesn’t fancy, there’s a song doing the rounds.

The Oziltoligists excused the episode as a non-issue because the game didn’t mean anything. I have to back people up on that, firstly, yes the game did mean something, it was the difference between 7th and 6th, and it was Wenger’s farewell party. Finally, and most importantly, he’s our most handsomely paid player. He has a responsibility to lead by example. The man is a liability, I just can’t believe we gave him that much money to stay on. No way he’s going to get sold this summer. Hopefully, the next manager can whip him into shape. Going missing in tough away games cannot be this thing we deal with, having cheeky breaks away so regularly cannot continue to happen, going missing in big games needs to be a thing of the past.

Those that did show up put on a great performance. Iwobi combined in a lovely one-two with Lacazette, dinking a chip into his path, the Frenchman pirouetted into a shot he dragged across goal, with Auba foxing from a yard out.

Our second goal took 30minutes to arrive. Arsenal fans spent most of that time cooing over Mavrapanos, the Greek very much looking the part, sparking excitement that Diamon Eye is going to be a big deal. Strong in the air, fast on the ground, with a good range of passing. I know we always lose our minds over young players, but he looks a very good prospect.

At the death of the first half, Iwobi started the move for our second goal, he fed a teasing ball into Hector Bellerin on the right, the Spaniard clipped a ball to Lacazette at the front post, allowing him the chance to finish first time on the volley. A great goal, taken perfectly in his stride.

The third goal came from a powerful Jack Wilshere run from deep midfield, his acceleration allowed him to run at a retreating Burnley defence, he switched his pass out to the right, Kolasinac picked up the ball and launched it across goal past the hapless Nick Pope.

The game really did take a turn for the bizarre when Auba turned provider from the right, he cut a ball back to Iwobi in the box, the target shy Nigerian took one touch, made some space and launched his shot into the top corner. Majestical guys, that’s the word I’m making up to describe that goal.

The final goal came from some good work from Ramsey in midfield, Bellerin was found wide right, he found Auba with a teasing cross 8 yards out, with the man from Gabon doing what he does best, finding the net.

There was still plenty of fun to be had when he goals dried up. Wenger waited until the 71st minute to make his subs as usual. He brought on Per Mertesacker, a man we’ve all grown to love over the years. It was fun watching the players make sure he landed plenty of touches. Maybe a little uncomfortable for the German if truth be told, but it was all part of the carnival atmosphere.

The final whistle blew almost exactly on 70minutes, Wenger shook some hands readying himself for his final lap and his speech.

He definitely took in the moment, soaking up the applause and hearing his name being sung. A really beautiful thing to watch. Any upset you may have had over the years melted into nothing but respect.

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‘Thank you for having me so long, I know that is not easy. But above all else, I’m like you, I am an Arsenal fan’

‘This is more than just watching football, it’s a way of life. It’s caring about the beautiful game, about the values we cherish, and as well, that something that goes for all our bodies in every cell of our bodies. We care, we worry, we are desperate, but when you come here, the theatre of dreams we realise what it means.’

‘I would like as well to thank everyone at the club who makes it so special, I would invite you, really push, support these players and the staff who remains behind me, these group of players has a special quality. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch. Please, as you follow this team, support them next season because they deserve it.’

“I would like to finish in one simple sentence: I will miss you. Thank you all for having such an important part of my life, thank you all, well done, bye bye.”

God damn it Arsene, you got me all teary-eyed over here… I’LL MISS YOU TOO! x

Short and sweet, a man of class until the end.

Now we have to move forward. The Wenger chapter has closed. Our job as fans is to back the next manager with the same force we backed Wenger. It’ll be a rocky season next year, the main difference is it’ll all be in the name of progress.

You saw today that we have a lot of great talent to work with. Aaron Ramsey, Auba, Lacazette, Mavrapanos, Bellerin, Iwobi and even the young kids coming through are going to be given a new lease of life. We’ll hire someone who can coach, instil discipline, come armed with an exciting football philosophy, hopefully, one that involves some form of pressing. Ideally, we’ll bring in a manager who can unite the fanbase, the backroom team and the players.

This summer is going to be fucking crazy. Not only are you losing Wenger, we’ll likely see the back of a number of coaches and people who work behind the scenes. It’s hard to see futures for Boro, Peyton, Colbert, Priestly and a few of the others. Not only do we need to hire a brilliant mind to spearhead the next move, we need to gel that person with some of Europe’s elite coaching staff. It’ll be fun, but new ideas take time to bed in. Pep did fuck all in his first year at City, same can be said of Klopp. It’s all about laying foundations and building for the next three seasons.

I’m excited. If we’re shooting for a young buck like the LA Rams did, let’s hope the club does its due diligence. If we’re talking to one of the tier one managers, let’s hope they’re able to lead the club with care and attention. Whoever we hire, be sure of this, it’ll be a massive improvement and very much needed, and you’ll be jumping out of bed to get to the Arsenal on Saturday mornings.

That’s what football is all about. Shared joy. I can’t wait to write about it, and I’m excited to go on the ride with you all.

On that night, I shall tap out.

Thank you Arsene, you’re one of a kind, and we’ll miss you too. x

Have a great day everyone and stop crying at your desk.

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HighburyLegend

“Next manager has a lot to work with.”

You could also said that the next manager has a lot of things to fix.

Wallace

apparently the kid who predicted Aubameyang is saying it’ll be Allegri.

HighburyLegend

(thanks to who ??)

HighburyLegend

For Allegri, to leave Juve for Arsenal would be a major step back in his career, so I wouldn’t pay too much attention to this rumor.

salpardisenyc

Like many of you having lived and breathed Wenger’s Arsenal adventure from the start, was hard not to me be moved and touched by yesterdays events. Regardless of how the back half ended or desperately we wanted change. Their will always be the sparkle which he certainly put some tarnish on but i’ll never forget those golden years. That said thrilled to look forward and know its all in the rearview with a new beginning ahead. Allegri smoke out there, can’t imagine anything would be announced until Juve have finished season, or at least played out the Coppa final vs… Read more »

salpardisenyc

I’m still convinced its going to be a younger manager w/ potential falling into Gaz new structure with Raul and Sven carrying some power.

HighburyLegend

I think the same.

Rambo Ramsey

Vieira jetted in from NYC on Arsenal’s invitation but Henry, though staying in London, snubbed us?

What a cvnt

HighburyLegend

“Brendan Rodgers would bring winning mentality to Arsenal, says former striker Kevin Campbell”

lol thanks Kevin, but no thank you.

HighburyLegend

Mesut gave his flu to Henry.

salpardisenyc

Speaking of Henry who was doing post match at City w/ Pep, whom did his best to thrust TH14 into managerial conversation saying it was in his heart.

David Smith

In fairness to Henry, heard on the radio he headed straight over after finishing his shift with Sky, but no idea if that is true

Dissenter

Lets show the man some respect
I don’t have much love but when he gave his speech all the animosity melted away.
I’m not going to start re-remembering history to like him but he deserves some modicum of respect for the first decade and his assured dignity.
Life is too short to hate one who has not hurt you.

Dissenter

Henry’s behaviors was shameful, to say the least.
His employers would have been glad to have their commentator p[resent as part of the Wenger-send off. Afterall, Henry is who he is because a certain manager believed in him and game him the platform to shine.

He ought to have been there.
Do you think Gary Neville won’t have left all for SAF send-off if his presence was requested?

Marko

Allegri wipes the floor with Enrique in any managerial sense I can imagine, so when I read they’re the two candidates it says to me that Arsenal want Allegri – Enrique is the fall back option.

I agree but to be fair in 8 years compared to Allegri’s 14 years as manager Enrique has won two more trophies (soon to be one) has a win percentage of 59% compared to Allegri’s 56%. Not that much between them not a bad fall back to be honest

Marko

apparently the kid who predicted Aubameyang is saying it’ll be Allegri

Kid? You mean Charlie

Guns of Brixton

Allegri at Arsenal.

The all important”A” is the factor here.

Arsene
Allegri

Loooooooool

Dissenter

Sal, I’m still convinced its going to be a younger manager w/ potential falling into Gaz new structure with Raul and Sven carrying some power. That’s my fear with this nascent emerging structure. These new staff may run rings round Gazidis and appropriate too much power for themselves. A well versed manager can tell the difference between BS and substance. A chief scout shouldn’t have the final say as to who to sign. The scout’s job is to compile a list of “possibles” with all their pros and cons then bring it to a select group that includes the manager… Read more »

Dissenter

The thing is Juve fans consider Allegri to be less than Conte.
He has always lived in Conte’s shadow and I do not think most of their fans will shed a tear if he leaves.

Dissenter

Allegri will make Mario Lemina his first signing at Arsenal.

Guns of SF

I didn’t see ozil on the bench
Can someone confirm

omar

I dont get why everyone is here blasting Ozil. If you dig deep enough you will see that this is part of the mess left by Wenger. After the usual dithering during the summer and buying no one, Aston Villa turned up at us and spanked us 3-1. We then rushed out on the last day of the transfer window and panic bought Ozil to calm the fans who had turned on the club. Ozil always was a luxury purchase who came about because of Wenger’s inactivity during the transfer window. Then to make matters worse we gave a wantaway… Read more »

Guns of SF

He exploited the Sanchez situation

HighburyLegend

Agree with Omar.
And anyway, why sit on the bench, at the risk of giving flu to yours teammates ??

Guns of SF

I honestly think that ozil was thinking he would come out the hero to the fans for staying while Alexis got all the crap. It backfired as his work ethic pales to Sanchez who himself was not giving 100%

Overpaid and overhyped. Ozil needs to leave .

Jamie

Yeah, not sure why Allegri would want to leave Juve, European giants, for Arsenal, European fluff.

He has a much higher chance of league and CL glory staying at Juve, so the move, from his perspective, what sense would it make?

Wallace

i have been pretty snotty about Aubameyang the last few years, but will admit it’s very nice to have a clinical finisher in the side, one who also has that sprinter’s speed. I also think Lacazette is high quality, and a better all round #9, but that speed is very important.

Wallace

and they look like they enjoy playing together, which is good. the goals and assists stats when they’re both on the pitch are pretty crazy, although obviously only a small sample size.

Champagne charlie

Marko

Hmm context is a factor there, Enrique commanded a Barca side with MSN. No formalities, sure, but does make you wonder.

Allegri doesn’t have that concern for me, his career trajectory has been upward throughout and his Juve side has showcased his propensity for achieving at a top club with more comparable resources to Arsenal.

I wasn’t talking trophy count anyway, which can misrepresent, I mean tactically and managerially he is a different grade. Works with a budget, gets good levels out of average talent, has a solid philosophy etc.

HighburyLegend

“Overpaid and overhyped. Ozil needs to leave .”

Ozil, aka “Triple O”.

Champagne charlie

“The thing is Juve fans consider Allegri to be less than Conte. He has always lived in Conte’s shadow “

Nice apples to oranges argument. Conte played for Juventus for near 14 years, captained the side, and is a club legend.

Pretty clear after his success managing the team that anyone following wasn’t going to top that from a fans perspective – unless Del Piero suddenly took charge and bossed it.

Are you saying Allegri is underwhelming?

Guns of SF

Triple o

salpardisenyc

Dissenter,

Don’t think anyone knows how this structure will play out, on the up between Raul and Sven both have been involved in brokering some of the biggest deals in football recently w/ Neymar, Lewandowski, Dembele etc. Our past January was calculated and decisive in sending a few out and bringing in PEA and Miki.

Allegri has Marrota, Pep has Begiristain, Roma has Monchi and list goes on, Wenger was operating with powers nobody seem to dispense any more for various reasons. Can’t imagine having this structure in place would put anyone off if budget is there.

Dissenter

Jamie
“Yeah, not sure why Allegri would want to leave Juve, European giants, for Arsenal, European fluff. He has a much higher chance of league and CL glory staying at Juve, so the move, from his perspective, what sense would it make?”

More money with less pressure
He earns 7 million euros yearly at Juventus and will come to a club that hasn’t won a league title in 15 seasons [by 2019]

Dissenter

CC
I’m saying his managerial record is mixed and also the perception in Italy is more varied than you read here.
He had a dismal record at Cagliari and a mixed performance at AC Milan [probably because of under-investment by Bellusconi].
He has done well at Juve but then Juve have an excellent scouting and recruitment policy. They have an institutional advantage in Italy , more so since they are the only top flight club with their own 100% owned stadium. Some believe Juventus will perform at this level with any other top flight manager,

Champagne charlie

Dissenter

Dismal record at Cagliari? Explain..

Marc

Jesus some people on here are incapable of feeling any joy when it comes to Arsenal. I actually know rabid Spud supporters who are more likely to make a positive comment about the club. Linked with Allegri – he’s not all that and why would he want to come to Arsenal. Linked with Arteta – lack of ambition. One paper reports we don’t have much to spend this summer and it’s repeated constantly – when another reports a new manager will have £200 million it’s completely ignored. I’m not saying everything will work out perfectly but Wenger’s going, we’ve brought… Read more »

azed

” go on and have a fulfilled retirement man,a true LEGEND of football,your name remains etched in the heart of every ‘true’ Arsenal fan.”

I’m not going to lie, Wenger’s name is etched in the hearts of every Arsenal fan but to people like me, he’s under the section called “Never Again”.

Champagne charlie

Marc

I’ve noticed that, it’s a real queer one to watch the same sort continually try and extinguish any excitement about the club.

Wtf are you following a team for if not to speculate and enjoy the possibilities of our uncertain and exciting future?

Elmo

Wallace Remember United’s CL prize + TV pool revenue is limited because they only qualified via winning the EL, which excluded them from any of the big UK TV pool for the group stages. We will make more than them from European TV + prize money this season, but that’s only possible under those unique circumstances. Any other season you have to literally be both an English club (i.e biggest TV pool) and win the EL just to match the TV pool + prize money of a CL group stage team. In the EL you have to win it to… Read more »

HighburyLegend

“he’s under the section called “Never Again”.”

It’s his fault, not ours, if he did everything that was possible to ruins his legacy, such a waste… and such a shame. (©TalkTalk@1984)

TheBlaster

we have no idea how different players will respond to modern coaching of tactics and organisation, so it’s way previous to say who should and should not be sold. Eleven pistons organised into an engine can do great things, but without that organisation are just pops and bangs.

Marc

CC I think a big part of it is down to overseas fans and those based domestically who don’t have a connection with the club outside of the internet / TV. They don’t understand what supporting a club is about – if you break it down in England there are 4 league champions, League Cup and FA Cup winners plus runs in Europe, plus other promotion. That’s means out of 96 clubs only a handful actually achieve a trophy or promotion and yet clubs that would consider a half decent cup run as amazing have some of the most dedicated… Read more »

Leftsidesanch

Time to draw a line under Wenger and move on. With two meaningless games for all involved (bar Huddersfield perhaps) he’s all but gone now.

Looking forward to what the future brings, and it doesn’t matter too much to me how long it takes just as long as the club is making clear progress.

China

Regardless of how much many of us WOB have lost patience with wenger, the reality is that he has been here for 22 years and that even the campaign to remove him if you will has been a really long and arduous slog I felt emotional to see him go because it’s literally the end of an epoch. Era is too small a word to describe this. There’s no hypocrisy in that. We are not sad he’s going, just emotional that a truly epic story with some incredible ups and downs is finally at its close. I usually feel the… Read more »

Dissenter

CC The record at Cagliary was capped with winning the manager of the year[as assessed by other Serie A managers] ahead of Mourhino who was having a monster season at Inter. After that Cagliari never kicked on beyond mid-tab;e placements. AC Milan took a chance on him and he was probably unlucky to be incharge of an under-funded and rapidly diminishing club. He managed AC Milan during their fall from grade- not his fault to be honest. Is he a good manager? ABSOLUTELY Is he the best choice for4 Arsenal? MOST LIKELY However he does have some scars that need… Read more »

Leftsidesanch

We are in the midst of a World cup year which was used as a handicap at Arsenal in previous years. From the end of the season until Russia kick off the opening game, there is almost 5 weeks in between. Thats more than enough time to have a man in place. He will have an idea of what he wants to do with his squad moving forward so there is even scope for additions and sells by then too. Doesn’t the transfer window close before next season too now? We’ll have to identify targets early and move for them… Read more »

Jamie

Dissenter – So the only viable ‘pull’ to Arsenal is 10m a year? Also, he’s won the league and the CL with Juve, and he’s been up against decent sides. He has almost no chance of winning the league, and isn’t even participating in the CL with Arsenal. A huge step back for a few million euros a year in the retirement fund. It would’ve been a different story if Wenger had acquired a 10th life and pulled the Europa League out of his ass on his way out the door. CL participation might have enticed Allegri over. Top level… Read more »

HighburyLegend

“Also, he’s won the league and the CL with Juve”

Are you sure he won the CL with Juve ??
Anyway, I still don’t believe he will come…

salpardisenyc

I’m on Arsenal cloud 9 at the moment, new dawn. Have a chief scout in place that this blog did nothing but praise on a daily basis for years for his exploits at Dortmund, Barca’s former fixer whom left with the title of Director of Football after 14 years with the club. We don’t bottle this managerial appointment it may get interesting very quickly. Summer’s going to be a ride, from managerial appointment down to the squad in’s and out’s and into Emirates cup w/ new man on the touch. Been waiting for this for better part of decade. Now… Read more »

HighburyLegend

lol sal…
Ok for the spuds, but I’d be really happy to see Liverpool destroy Madrid.

Ray in LA

Me too! I’m okay with Madrid losing both Finals 🙂

Marc

Sal

The only thing we need to be careful of with the new manager is an expectation of instant change / improvement.

With the World Cup etc the new manager will not get much time with the squad before the season starts, we need to give him a few months to start getting something out of the players.

salpardisenyc

Highbury

“I’d be really happy to see Liverpool destroy Madrid.”

Fuck that I want post match tears, ideally red and falling to “You’ll never walk alone”.

Marc

Jamie

The PL is a huge pull and you’re forgetting about ego. Arsenal are a huge club and being the guy to kick them on will be a real draw.

I wonder if you’ll be so negative about the chances of Chelsea recruiting a new manager or the Spud’s if Poch moves on in the summer?

TR7

The ITK I referred to yesterday reckons Allegri is done. Let’s see.

Marc

I hate Liverpool and all scouser’s are thieving murdering vermin.

As much as I dislike Ronaldo I hope he tears them a new arsehole and the Ukrainian police are severely heavy handed in dealing with the scouse filth.

salpardisenyc

Marc

Looking at our back 5, imagine its going to be a slow burn for sure. Much work to do with this side, but there could also be the immediate response. Regardless were on the path.

United good example of pitfalls.

Marc

Sal

Well one things for sure – we have a lot of players who’s comfort zone is about to disappear so I at least expect to see players fighting as if their career is on the line.

Coach 15

Never trust a scouser,it’s a life lesson every non scouse kid should be taught. Fucking horrible breed.

Marc

Coach

I don’t think the overseas fans can actually comprehend just what they are.

Pierre

Looks like ,reading Le grovellers comments that özil will be the new obsession..

Sad really that people are so thick that they would now attack the player who has the most assists and created the most chances in the last 5 years….

The özil obsessives….

Coach 15

Marc

Agree,you have to have experience of them to comprehend their vile nature.
As I said never trust a scouser.

HighburyLegend

“The ITK I referred to yesterday reckons Allegri is done. Let’s see.”
So Allegri to Chelsea, then.

lol Auberjune strikes again, how was the mood on Untold ??

HighburyLegend

Allegri to Chelsea, that seems so much more logical, but of course I hope I’m wrong…

Marc

Why?

salpardisenyc

Pierre,

New obsession you must of missed out on those epic Ozil vs Erikson debates.

I’ve supported Ozil but his actions yesterday were appalling and surely signal a larger problem, don’t care how many neat passes he’s made that were finished. It lacked class, respect and any sort of bravado one would hope on such an occasion. That after a nothing performance mid week.

Where as BFG stayed after signing autographs with Ramsay.

Pierre

Sal
“I’ve supported Ozil but his actions yesterday were appalling and surely signal a larger problem,”

What actions were appalling… Why would he want to miss Wengers last home game unless he was injured.
I thought, if you read the özil obsessives comments, that yesterdays game was the type of game that özil would turn up for to pad out his stats so why would he want to miss it.

Bob N16

Has Ozil got a bad back? If yes, he’s getting unfair criticism.
That being said, Keown laid into him massively, mate of Bould……

Undoubtedly Ozil is now going get some of the shit that has been thrown at Wenger. A certain type does appear to enjoy focussing their bile on Arsenal targets, takes a all sorts I suppose.

Found yesterday quite emotional, end of an era. For me it had echoes of leaving Highbury…time passed.

Excited about the future. Announce new coach day next Monday, start sorting the squad out!

Marko

Pierre you do know that he had “illness” earlier in the season and just went to Turkey to spend time with the Mrs. Back injury my hole he’s done nothing of note the last month. You seem happy with him that probably speaks volumes of you. Also 8 assists this season and just 9 last year he’s not worth debating anymore

James wood

Fans fighting each other to buy the programme in bulk.
Complimentary T Shirts being stolen of seats.
The desperation to make a quick buck on E Bay.

David Smith

A few sop posed ITKs saying Allegri is done, good on them if they are right but will believe when I see

Marko

Christ almighty some of you positive types are honestly thick. What fuck is wrong with complaining about a player who doesn’t want to be here who’s only here for the money and who since getting the money has honestly contributed little. If you think he’s got a back injury you’re delusional. He’s just a giant pussy. Justified criticism

Wallace

BobN16

“Undoubtedly Ozil is now going get some of the shit that has been thrown at Wenger. A certain type does appear to enjoy focussing their bile on Arsenal targets, takes a all sorts I suppose.”

yes, guess this kind of fan has always existed, you’re just more aware of them with the internet.

Marko

You compare Ozil with Sanchez who hasn’t had a summer off in what 5 or 6 years you never hear him being out with “illness” and then pictured with his dogs in Ibiza getting “treatment”. The other thing is after the performance he put in against Madrid and the criticism he got wouldn’t you want to make a statement the next game to prove people wrong? He just keeps on wilting

Jamie

Dissenter –

reached the CL final with Juve**

Agreed, he isn’t coming. Forget ego, money, project Arsenal, or whatever the suggested allure might be.

Not sure how many domestic cups he’s won with them, but I imagine it’s at least a couple.

Marc –

I’d be incredibly pessimistic about Spurs replacing Poch with anyone near his level. Chelsea, on the other hand, can attract box office if they want. They are a big club, not a pretend one.

Wallace

“More than the trophy wins, the cup finals, the great goals, sticking it to rivals etc, etc, that sense of suspending one’s critical faculties for a few hours and coming together is my favourite thing about going to football. That sense of unity has been missing at Arsenal matches for a while, for reasons that are well documented. It was great that everyone was able to throw themselves into the day and demonstrate why football is more than just numbers on a screen. The game is becoming increasingly po-faced and often talking about football on here can be a bit… Read more »

Champagne charlie

Dissenter

Disagree entirely. Why should Allegri’s supposed issues from 2000 and pre-Milan be of any consequence now in 2018?

As relevant as Wenger going invincible with Arsenal, which I’m pretty certain you’ve dismissed as another era….

Allegri did well at Cagliari, got scouted by Milan, delivered for them, got scouted by Juve, and delivered for them. Not sure what you’re getting at I’ll be honest.

Champagne charlie

Wallace

That’s excellent, very true

Pierre

That’s an important thing to remember. For the vast, vast majority, that respect remained and it’s a pity that we have given such agency and importance to the disrespectful minority.

How Very true….

Marko

That’s an important thing to remember. For the vast, vast majority, that respect remained and it’s a pity that we have given such agency and importance to the disrespectful minority.

To be fair if it wasn’t for that vocal “minority” and the empty seats he’d likely be there another year possibly longer so go easy on them

salpardisenyc

Regardless of supporters vocalizations, empty seats etc its pretty clear the owners were happy to carry on with Wenger until he finished out of the top four money two season running, second season in worse position that previous. So much so they’re willing to eat the final year of his contract and start a new.

Redtruth

All those fans sitting on thèir hands for the past 10 years should not be allowed to benefit from the arrival of a new manager but instead should be expelled from the club

Emiratesstroller

Wallace It has been fairly obvious over last two years that most genuine supporters of the club who are season ticket holders were unhappy with the way the club were performing and that was reflected by the growing number of empty seats. However, unlike many posters on Le Grove there were few who attended matches who wanted to see Wenger sacked. Most season ticket holders [regular supporters] are fairly level headed people. Arsenal is a very different club from most of the others in EPL. They valued Wenger for his years of loyal service to the club. However, it was… Read more »

Ishola70

ES

Wenger was sacked.

It just has been painted prettier that’s all.

Ishola70

Wenger did not make a decision to leave.

He was forced into a corner and basically told his time was up. Forced out.

In plain speak he was sacked.

N

Ishola70

Arsenal FC sacked Arsene Wenger.

azed

“That’s an important thing to remember. For the vast, vast majority, that respect remained and it’s a pity that we have given such agency and importance to the disrespectful minority. Many wanted him to leave but simply couldn’t bring themselves to take against him vocally.”

Is there any dictionary with a more apt definition of “cowardice”?

Jamie

Let’s not forget that Wenger took a 9m severance package to walk a year early. Can’t cry about ‘lack of funds’ when he could’ve just accepted that he wasn’t the man for the job and walked without further damaging our finances.

“50m war chest” becomes “+-60m war chest.”

Ishola70

What is the club coming to ES?

First you said Arsenal would never deal with dodgy third party owners. Not the Arsenal way you said and then Arsenal sign Mhiki.

And now we hear he wasn’t sacked he decided with the powers that be that he would go. Not the Arsenal way to sack managers. He was sacked, booted out. This season proved untenable for his position. When the announcement was first made of Arsenal parting ways with Wenger the man himself said it was not his wish to leave at this time. He was told to clear out.

Victorious

Ishola
Arsenal FC sacked Arsene Wenger.

yup,if when you tell that to yourself every night makes you sleep soundly,then no biggy.

Ishola70

Your man Vic has told us himself just recently that he was not happy to go at this time. Not his decision.

Have you conveniently forgotten that?

Dissenter

Victorius
Take it easy fella
Wenger is gone, stop taking out your anger on everyone here.

Ishola70

There we go folks.

History is being re-written even before Wenger manages his last game at Arsenal.

It was an amicable joint decision between the powers that be and Arsene Wenger himself and this is why he left.

Dissenter

CC
I’m just setting the records straight.
Ask any AC Milan fan you know about Allegri’s tenure as manager. It will be a mixed record
He was fired by Milan and replaced by Tassoti and then Seedof.
The problems at Milan was essentially under-funding from Bellusconi who stopped splashing money once he realized he could not compete with the Russian/Chinese/Arab billionaires.

Like You, I like Allegri. He’s my number one choice.
It’s just that lets not go into this star-stricken; he’s had his own short-comings as well.

steve

@Wallace “That sense of unity has been missing at Arsenal matches for a while, for reasons that are well documented. It was great that everyone was able to throw themselves into the day and demonstrate why football is more than just numbers on a screen.” Football is about winning you dimwit. “Many wanted him to leave but simply couldn’t bring themselves to take against him vocally.” Those people are pussies and should be banned from the club. @Vicuntious Your man Wenger got sacked. He himself said it wasn’t his decision to go. Get over it. Thank God Wenger’s reign of… Read more »

Coach 15

ES
“most genuine supporters of
the club who are season ticket holders”

Yeah and 20 thousand took to a protest of not attending to force the club into a decision,unlike some who didn’t have the bollocks,though unhappy with Arsène,still went moaned about it on le grove to the underclass of Arsenal fans,and gave a running commentary on how many empty seats at the home games.
Have a Fucking day off fella

Champagne charlie

Dissenter

Fair enough, it appeared you were picking holes in him as a candidate which I found a bit odd.

There’s not sure thing, I honk that’s fair to say. I’m merely confident he’s the manager to take what we have, and make it better in the areas we sorely need it.

Like players, managers need a good fit when it comes to their club.

Ishola70

“Sadly I expect many posters on Le Grove to allow him perhaps a dozen games
to perform up to their expectation. If he fails to do so they will no doubt start
hollering for him to be sacked.”

I think many expect the Wenger worshippers to be the least patient and tell us all how stupid we were for wanting Wenger to leave if the new manager proves not to be an instant super-hero.