Arsenal: Ian Wright Shortsighted In Lambasting ‘Himself Before Club’ Arsene Wenger

Ian Wright has suggested that Arsene Wenger may be putting himself before Arsenal. Such a criticism wholly misses the point of Wenger’s tenure.

The recent struggles that Arsenal have suffered through have brought about much criticism. And rightly so. Their loss to Chelsea was lacklustre, lacking backbone and fight, especially in a defining second half. They then buckled under the pressure against Bayern Munich, conceding three goals in 10 devastating second-half minutes and now face the prospect of missing out on the top four for the first time in over two decades.

Related Story: Arsenal: Ideal 2017/18 Starting XI

What has been particularly poor has been the nature of their recent defeats. It was depressingly predictable; the mental weakness, their lack of fortitude or resilience, their inability to perform in the biggest games.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

The man who has suffered the flack for the side’s recent issues is Arsene Wenger. As a result, major questions have been asked regarding his future in North London, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Wenger, though, in the aftermath, has defiantly claimed that he still has more to give and is wanting to continue managing beyond the summer, either at Arsenal or elsewhere.

Former striker Ian Wright, was not too pleased with Wenger’s recent stance. Working as a pundit with BT Sport, Wright suggested that Wenger is putting himself before the club, before tempering the rather controversial statement by proclaiming that if he does indeed have more to offer, then Wenger should stay at the Emirates:

"“Is he putting himself before the club there? In respect of saying ‘I have got more to offer’. If he does have more to offer then I want him to be there at Arsenal, if that’s the case. Sign the players which will take you to the level you need to be. Whatever we say about the players they under-perform at this stage literally every single time, there is something wrong.”"

Wright’s hint that Wenger would ever put himself before the club utterly misses the point of his tenure. Throughout his time in North London, Wenger has continually made decisions that he believes brings the greatest chance of success to the club, especially looking towards the long-term future.

Next: Arsenal: 4 Players Deserving Of More Game Time

The suggestion that Wenger would ever place his own, personal priorities ahead of those of his club is utterly ridiculous. It challenges Wenger’s very character, the ideals with which he has managed for the past 21 years, and is a wholly shortsighted critique.