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Arsene Wenger’s return to the Emirates: A statement of success from the Gunners
By Toby Hill
For the first time since his departure in 2018, the man who brought golden success to the Emirates made his return on Boxing Day.
Arsene Wenger witnessed Arsenal come from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1 as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Eddie Nketiah got on the scoresheet.
It was a performance that would’ve filled the Frenchman with pride. The Gunners were dominant in possession, looked comfortable on the ball when being pressed, and the match flowed through the superb Martin Odegaard.
It seemed like a well-planned return for Wenger. After four years, and with Mikel Arteta charging Arsenal towards the Premier League title, the issues of Wenger’s final few seasons have been undone: this was needed before he could make a return.
In fact, Arsenal almost boasted a completely revamped starting XI to the one which played in Wenger’s last Premier League match – only Granit Xhaka has been in both.
Wenger’s everlasting legacy
One Arsène Wenger ❤️ pic.twitter.com/agQln82HFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2022
Despite the rocky end to his Arsenal tenure, the 73-year-old made a huge imprint on the club. His return to the stadium demonstrated this. As he watched on, chants of ‘there’s only one Arsene Wenger’ rang around the Emirates: the fans were happy to have him back, and he was loving it as well.
Wenger’s time in north London is signified by his success in the Premier League – particularly the Invincibles season, but his influence in the transition to the Emirates made his return even sweeter. The former manager played a huge role in Arsenal moving from Highbury to the Emirates while still maintaining Champions League football year after year.
It was like a king returning to the land in which he once ruled. His warm welcome from the fans shows the respect that the Arsenal cognoscenti still have for Wenger.
A statue to mark his tenure
Four years on from his departure, Arsenal are finally looking to build a statue to commemorate the Frenchman’s time in charge of the Gunners, report the Telegraph.
The three-time Premier League winner will join Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and David Dein with statues outside of the Emirates.
It’s a move to celebrate all that Le Professeur gave to the club: his commitment throughout the tough times most notable. When Real Madrid, PSG and Barcelona came knocking, Wenger stayed loyal. It is time to repay that loyalty.