Arsene Wenger has hit back at Arsenal‘s critics by highlighting the fact that the Gunners have remained “at the top” for the past two decades.
Arsenal lost ground in the Premier League title race as last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford to Manchester United left them five points behind leaders Leicester City – a gap that was increased to six points last night.
However, the Gunners have the opportunity to halve that deficit tonight when they play Swansea City at the Emirates, and Wenger was quick to point to their status in the division’s top four when answering critics about their current campaign.
“What other English club has spent 20 years always in the top four? Can you give me one? No. Maybe the demands are harder, as people forget that we’ve always been at the top,” Wenger told the Daily Mirror.
“We’ve just beaten Leicester, lost at Man United, OK, and you wonder sometimes about the excessive reactions. Do people
think football is only winning, and never losing any more games? It [losing] is part of football.”
This season is arguably the Gunners’ greatest chance of ending their 12-year wait for another Premier League title, having
last lifted the trophy in the 2003/04 season.
However, recent performances – in particular against a weakened Manchester United side last Sunday – has seen their credentials as challengers crumble.
Wenger is right to bring up his record of reaching the Champions League in 17 consecutive seasons, as it is an excellent achievement, especially when those around him have spent so much money.
Nevertheless, supporters will want to see them winning trophies and league title instead of always falling away around Easter like they have done on so many occasions.
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