Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: 5 things we learned - It's not even surprising anymore

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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal is seen on the stands during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

1. It’s been time for a long time, but now it’s definitely time

I have stated in the past that I still want Arsene Wenger to stay. That is not because I believe that Wenger is the best man to resurrect Arsenal. Sunday, as well as the weight of evidence that goes along with it, proves as much. I always said that because of my respect for Wenger.

Simply, I wanted him to end on a high. I wanted Wenger to have the ending that is wonderful tenure deserved. I wanted Arsenal to win one last league title, vindicating much of the work through the struggling years. But that was never realistic. It was never likely. It was wishful thinking, borne out of respect for a man who was no longer there.

It is clearly time for Wenger to leave. In all honesty, it has been time for Wenger to leave for years. But I now feel that the club, and perhaps even Wenger himself, are beginning to realise it. The hirings of Sven Mislintat and Raul Sanllehi, the hesitance to back him in the summer transfer window, the growing friction between Wenger and Ivan Gazidis.

Next: Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: Player ratings

I genuinely believe that this will be Wenger’s final season as Arsenal manager. It’s been time for the end to come for a long time. But now it’s undeniable.

Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: 5 things we learned – It’s not even surprising anymore

By Andrew Dowdeswell | Jan 14, 2018

1. It’s been time for a long time, but now it’s definitely time