Arsenal Vs AC Milan: Does this change anything for Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal bested AC Milan to the tune of a 2-0 scoreline on Thursday night. Does the unlikely win change anything for the much-maligned and heavily criticised Arsene Wenger?

Gunners’ fans were treated to a nice convincing win against Italian giants AC Milan. Their side dominated the game throughout, albeit for a few scary moments nearing the end, and could, and perhaps should, have won by more if not for some good Gigio Donnarumma goalkeeping and wayward Arsenal finishing.

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This may be the Europa League, but it is still a European trophy, something that Arsene Wenger is yet to lift. It could also mean Champions League football next season, something that is looking extremely unlikely through the usual avenue of the Premier League.

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With recent results not really going Arsenal’s way, Thursday’s game against Milan was a welcome sight. The players looked up for the match, ready to win for their manager and club, committed to the cause. But one game does not alter the deficiencies of a season. Changes still need to be made.

This result shouldn’t mask the fact that the club is broken and needs fixing. Wenger is not what he used to be, and although he should be given some credit for out-coaching Gennaro Gattuso, who looked short of ideas and preparation on the touchline, this win does not suddenly make the world right again.

It should be said that the Arsenal the players even looked more into the game. Perhaps it was the importance of the occasion. They know the Europa League is their last chance to get into the lucrative Champions League and are fully committed to achieving that feat. But, as I have said, one 90 minute performance does not right the wrongs of a whole season — in fact, it’s much more than just one season.

Fans have been in turmoil with the state of the club recently. They have been demanding change from the board, and rightfully so. With losses to Swedish side Ostersunds FK and newly promoted Brighton in recent weeks, the mood was a sombre, dejected, sober one. Hope was distant.

Wenger himself delineated the issue: with confidence, ‘you go up by the stairs; you go down by the lift.’ There is a long way to go for the squad to claim that confidence has returned. It hasn’t. Not yet.

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In the very same vein, an argument could be made for reputation and worth: ‘you go up by the stairs; you go down by the lift.’ Wenger is at the bottom of the stairs. The Milan win does not escalate him to the top.