Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Will Never Be An ‘Also-Ran’
Paul Merson has claimed that if Arsene Wenger stays, then Arsenal will become also-rans. That, though, is something that Wenger will never allow to happen.
The future of Arsene Wenger is a topic of great discussion and debate in Arsenal circles currently. After a run of just three wins since February 11th, two of which came against non-league opposition and the other against a West Ham side that were suffering through five successive losses, there is good reason for the subject to be front and centre.
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Certainly, Wenger is one of the most divisive figures in the modern football world. ‘Wenger Out’ is now a meme, such is the far-reaching controversy of his reign. And amid the uncertainty and the tension, fans, members of the media, pundits and ex-players are all publicising their opinion regarding the future of the great man.
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The latest to dip his toe in the murky, shark-infested waters is Paul Merson. Working in his usual role as a pundit with Sky Sports, Merson proclaimed that he expects Wenger to stay with the club. He also, though, suggested that if Wenger does stay beyond the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, which is becoming increasingly likely given the dripping rumours from the media, then Arsenal will slip into the calibre of an also-ran club:
"“If Arsenal do not get in the Champions League this season, I would call them also-rans. They are in it, but they are not going to win it. A bit like Everton – they are never going to win the Premier League, but they are always going to be about sixth or seventh place. And that is where I see Arsenal next season, vying with Everton.”"
That may well be a popular and agreeable opinion of many fans and analysts. However, it does align to the pattern of history. Throughout his 21 years in North London, Wenger has never allowed the club to finish outside of the top four in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League each and every season, ensuring that, while trophies may have been hard to come by at times, they were always competitive at the upper echelon of domestic football.
While a Premier League title may not be brought back to North London until Wenger departs, to suggest that he will allow the club to succumb to the state of also-rans is utterly ridiculous. Wenger is an intensely competitive man and he would certainly resign before he sees Arsenal languish.
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Wenger will only stay as manager in North London if he believes that he can spur them on to a title and further success. Merson suggesting that the Gunners would be also-rans with him at the helm is simply wrong.