Arsene Wenger is facing stinging criticism from many fans following his decision to substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Arsenal's 2-1 home defeat to Man Utd on Sunday. The move was greeted with a combination of anger and bewilderment from a section of supporters as Chamberlain had been a key figure in Arsenal's attacking play, having set up the equaliser only minutes earlier. The winger was replaced with the out-of-form Andrey Arshavin in a perplexing decision that even surprised captain Robin Van Persie whose frustration was caught on camera. To make matters worse Arshavin was partly at fault for United's winner after he failed to stop Antonio Valencia running through.
Wenger has come out and defended the substitution and said that he doesn't have to justify his decisions. The more worrying matter is that Arsenal have now suffered three straight league defeats - for the first time since 2005 - which leaves them five points behind fourth placed Chelsea. The Gunners are currently battling the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle for a Champions League spot, which looks like it will go right down to the wire. At the moment Arsenal are priced at 2/1 with William Hill to finish in the top 4, while they have odds of 13/2 in the Premier League Winner Without Man Utd & Man City betting market.
The Gunners are next in action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round. William Hill have installed Arsenal as the odds-on 8/15 favourites for the win, while Villa have been priced at 4/1, with a draw available at 13/5. The FA Cup was the last trophy won by Arsenal back in 2005 and they will be hoping to get their hands on the trophy once again this season.
Odds supplied by William Hill.
