Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has defended Arsène Wenger, amid heavy criticism from sections of the Gunners’ fan-base.
Gilberto, who made 244 appearances for Arsenal, feels the frustration aimed at his former boss has gone too far this season, and has called on the Emirates faithful to remember what the Frenchman has given the club.
Travelling Arsenal fans unveiled a banner with the message ‘Arsène, thanks for the memories, but it’s time to say goodbye’ at the KC Stadium during the Gunners’ 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull City earlier this month.
The same banner was on display last season for Arsenal’s 1-0 away win at West Bromwich Albion, after the side was beaten in the previous two league games.
“Sometimes people are too hard on him [Wenger]. They forget what he has done over the last, almost, 20 years for the club,” Gilberto told Goal.
“They should think a bit more. We all accept criticism but you shouldn’t go over the top.
“Wenger is a very intelligent and capable man. He knows how to deal with this pressure.”
The long-serving Gunners manager signed the World Cup winner from Atlético Mineiro in 2002, before he went on to become a pivotal part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side the following season.
Wenger has long been criticised for not signing a convincing replacement for either Gilberto or Patrick Vieira in the heart of the midfield since their respective departures in 2008 and 2005.
Defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin has arguably been the most natural replacement for the Brazilian, since his breakthrough last season.
But Coquelin has been erratic this campaign and guilty of poor decision- making, most notably when he was sent off against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane last month.
Indeed, he has earned more cards (six yellows and one red) than any teammate in the league this term. However, the Frenchman’s pass accuracy of 89% is extremely impressive – the fourth-best record in the squad – and he has also averaged 2.8 interceptions per league match.
Arsenal play Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday knowing that anything but a win will see their title challenge come to an end.
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