Arsene Wenger Mocks Critics and Reacts to Arsenal Sack Calls

Arsene Wenger has dismissed the cries of Arsenal supporters who made it clear they want him to step down during the Gunners' 1-0 win at West Brom.

A banner reading, "Arsene thanks for the memories but it is time to say goodbye," was visible in the away end. While Danny Welbeck's goal eased the pressure on the manager who saw his team beat Borussia Dortmund after losing to Manchester United, Wenger still faced plenty of difficult speculation after the game.

He jokingly refuted calls for his head, reported by James Nursey of the Mirror:

"

I started to manage a team at the top level in 1983. If I am completely useless tactically, I am a genius (because) I can hide it very well. Look, in (each of) the last 15 years, we are qualified for the last 16 in the Champions League. Give me another club who has done that. I think we have shown extreme consistency and that’s all we can do.

"

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Wenger continued by acknowledging a topsy-turvy run for the north London outfit: "We've had ups and downs in the league—yes, it's true, but you only come back again when the spirit is strong and healthy and united inside the club."

Arsenal dominated a Baggies side who never got going at the Hawthorns. The Gunners appeared more productive in the latter half of the pitch with Olivier Giroud back in the side, who had runners Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez supporting his presence through the middle. Arsenal racked up 17 attempts at goal, hitting the target on just six occasions, reported by WhoScored.com.

West Brom forced Damian Martinez into just one save from nine attempts, allowing the 22-year-old stopper an extremely comfortable Premier League full-match debut. Saido Berahino hit the bar with a close-range header, but it rarely appeared as if Alan Irvine's team would breach Arsenal's rearguard, which was galvanised by the return of Laurent Koscielny.

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Both teams enjoyed plenty of possession—with Arsenal edging it at 52 percent, per WhoScored—but an often ponderous tempo left both teams struggling to create clear chances. Welbeck's powerful header after an excellent run and cross from Santi Cazorla was enough to push Arsenal within two points of the Champions League places.

Wenger's team "are 11 points worse off than at this stage last season," per BBC Sport. Arsenal were top one year ago before stuttering as the new year began. The eternal battle for fourth appears likely to resume once more as key weaknesses—noticeably a lack of defensive strength in depth and destructive midfielder—remain obvious.

Football pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft underlined Wenger's positive response to criticism, while former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker offered a sarcastic take on Arsenal's victory:

Wenger will now oversee a very winnable run of fixtures heading into 2015.

Southampton—fresh from their draw with Aston Villa and loss to Manchester City—have lost momentum heading into their Emirates visit on Wednesday. An away trip to Stoke is then scheduled before an almost meaningless trip to face Galatasaray in the Champions League.

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Arsenal then host Newcastle before journeying to Liverpool prior to Christmas, a five-game stretch which could see Wenger restore confidence.

Of course, failure to take maximum points in the Premier League ties is likely to see anger intensify, as many Arsenal fans seriously consider change for the first time since he took over in 1996. There's a sense the next few weeks will set the tone for what lies ahead, both for Wenger and Arsenal's prospects this season, no matter how jovially the manager reacts to criticism from his own support.