Arsenal fans divided over how long Wenger will reign

Ian Watson

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss not immune to criticism

Almost half of 32,000 Arsenal fans polled over Arsene Wenger’s future believe the manager is in the final season of his reign at the club. 

The future of Arsene Wenger has been a divisive issue among Arsenal fans for some time.

Many believe he’s earned the right to call time on his own career in north London after achieving so much, but there were boos and heckles during the opening game of the Premier League earlier this month to follow on from the growing frustrations of last season.

Close to 32,000 Gunners fans have responded to a 90min poll asking exactly when they think Wenger and Arsenal will finally no longer be together as one.

Almost half of all those who voted (44%) think this season could well be the Frenchman’s last if there is no silverware come next May.

Wenger graphic

Excluding FA Cups in 2014 and 2015, Arsenal haven’t won any trophies since 2005, and haven’t seriously challenged for the Premier League title since last winning it with the Invincibles generation in 2004 – last season’s second place finish was somewhat deceptive.

Whether that number believe Wenger will step aside or be pushed is another question.

But despite the end of the season being the most popular choice, the second most popular choice, voted for by 27% of fans, still think Wenger will keep going on and not be sacked at all.

He and only he will decide when the time is right to stand down, whenever that might be.

Arsenal fans: Planning to protest

After that, 19% of those who voted believe the board won’t take any decisive action for at least another couple of seasons. The suggestion there is that the grass isn’t always greener.

A 10% minority of fans have predicted change sooner rather than later. They believe that the voices calling for Wenger’s head will have their way and the Frenchman will be out of a job by Christmas. That certainly seems unlikely, even if the Gunners do have a disastrous run, but stranger things have happened.

Jamie Spencer

 

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