Arsenal Give Full Backing To Arsene Wenger
by Mark Cohen / 14 June 2011, 12:21TweetThe Arsenal board have given their full backing to manager Arsene Wenger after the club's Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis declared that they were 100% behind the Frenchman during the Arsenal Supporters' Trust meeting last night. But, he also revealed that if the fans were ever to turn on Wenger then his days would be numbered as ultimately the manager is accountable to the fans.
Wenger had been increasingly under pressure towards the end of last season after Arsenal, who in January were in with a chance of winning four trophies, collapsed and finished the season trophyless and fourth in the league with just 68 points their lowest points total since 2006/07. Even before the end-of-season slump Wenger's future had been in considerable doubt, with the likes of Martin O'Neill and Dragan Stojkovic touted as possible replacements in the Next Arsenal Manager Betting.
Arsenal fans will need no reminding that they are currently experiencing a six year trophy drought after yet another unsuccessful season flew by. The players have developed an unwanted reputation of choking at pivotal moments, with their collapse against Birmingham City in last season's Carling Cup a pertinent example of thi. Arsenal were the odds-on favourites to win the Cup Final but a calamitous error in the 88th minute cost them the game as Obafemi Martins capitalised and won Birmingham their first piece of major silverware since 1969.
Unlike their Premier League rivals, who have been spending freely, Arsenal are yet to make a major signing since the season came to a close last month. Gazidis announced in the annual meeting that changes will definitely be made, with improvements to the squad top of the list. If the club are to mount a series title challenge next season they are in dire need of some high quality, experienced players. Although supremely talented, their current crop of youngsters lack the strength needed to deliver in big games and Wenger will desperately be seeking some substance to add to the abundance of flair and skill he already has at his disposal. Arsenal are currently tracking the Ivory Coast striker Gervinhio, Blackburn Rovers central defender Christopher Samba and Bolton defender Gary Cahill as they look to win their first trophy since 2005. At the same time the club are struggling to hold onto some their key players, with the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy all linked with a move away from the club.
Stan James have Arsenal at 8/1 to put an end to their trophy drought and win the Premier League next season for the first time since 2004. The Gunners have odds of 16/1 to win the Champions League for the first time in their history and are also available at 8/1 to win the FA Cup.
