Arsene Wenger insists that Arsenal have “never worked as hard as this year” to win the Premier League, while suggesting that a top-four finish is no longer a cause for celebration.
Arsenal last won the title in 2003/04 – an unprecedented unbeaten season led by world-class talents such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell.
Once the north London club moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, thus taking on an enormous debt, Wenger’s remit seemed to change.
The French tactician was tasked with qualifying for the Champions League each season, infamously suggesting in numerous press conferences that fourth place in the Premier League was equivalent to a trophy.
However, as financial constraints are no longer a significant burden on the Gunners, many fans find the lack of a title win almost inexcusable.
Indeed, the side they beat on the final day of 2003/04, Leicester City, have since been relegated to League One, yet have still won the top-flight sooner than Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 2015/16 season finale against Aston Villa, Wenger was adamant that he shared the fans’ annoyance.
He said (via the Sunday Mirror): “You do not do as much work as I do to be happy with a top-four finish.
“I am like everybody – frustrated.
“There was a period when the minimum required was a top-four finish to pay the debt back and we did not have the potential.
“Now, we are in the position where we want to fight for the championship.
“We have never worked as hard as this year to win the championship, believe me. We are all very frustrated.”
Arsenal’s collapse in recent months has been rather alarming, with the side winning just six of their last 17 Premier League fixtures.
The Gunners have averaged a division-high 55% possession over the domestic season, but their back-line continues to attract scrutiny, having made more defensive errors (25) than all but two teams in the league.
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