Arsenal Opinion: Come On, Let Us Show Some Loyalty to Arsene Wenger and His Team

Even two years ago, Arsenal fans would not criticize Wenger. There was always the odd fan who would criticize Wenger but such fans were in a very small minority.

But after a sixth trophiless season many Arsenal fans, those who defended Wenger previously have turned against the Frenchman, who many regard as the greatest Arsenal manager of all time. Arsenal inability to win a trophy for six years now, coupled with what some see as elementary mistakes from Wenger has let the fan base divided with the anti-Wenger calls significantly rising.

While the “In Wenger we Trust” banners can be seen, the fans rooting for Wenger to be ousted as Arsenal manager have increased manifold with the performances of this season being the catalyst. Many felt that this was the year the Gunners should have won the league and that might have happened had Wenger signed a defender in January. The main reason that these fans have turned against Wenger is because they see him making the same mistake every year, a refusal to spend on players that ends up costing the team dearly.

But the level to which the fans have turned on Wenger has shocked me a bit. Arsene Wenger was revered like a god at the club and rightfully so. He steered the club marvelously through a potentially difficult period, keeping the club ultra-competitive at all times and missing out on trophies narrowly. He has undoubtedly made some costly mistakes, but I feel that what he needs is the support of the fans, for another season at least.

He has indicated that he will spend and that is mostly because of the pressure he is on. Not the pressure from fans but the pressure he has put himself on. Arsenal and Wenger critics like to say that the man doesn’t mind settling for second but the reality is that he is an extremely competitive man with a burning desire to win and his former players will attest to that fact.

If one wants proof, one need not look farther than the disappointment and frustration that characterized him towards the end of the season. He looked like a man desperate to win trophies but a man who was failing. The passion and heart to win trophies was there for all to see and that just showed why he is the right man to lead the Gunners forward.

Seeing the build up to the transfer window, I can’t help but get the feeling that many people are writing Arsenal off without any reason to base their arguments on and too easily. Sadly I see even some Arsenal fans on this list. Reading stuff across the web, I get this feeling that some Arsenal fans are hoping that Arsenal fail so that they can once again show why Wenger has to go and considered themselves redeemed.

Those calling for Arsene to go might have a point but I firmly side on those who want him to stay with Arsenal and lead Arsenal forward. But I don’t want to get into a debate about which is better for the club, because that is one that is never ending.

But the simple fact is that how much of the fans want Wenger to leave, the final decision lies with the club and right now they will definitely not even go close to sack Wenger or fire him. Wenger will remain at the club, for at least another two seasons I believe and the final decision comes from the board and they will not decide to sack Wenger solely from fan pressure alone.

What Wenger needs in this crunch time is the support and the backing of the fans. I along with several other Arsenal fans have the sad habit of attacking our own players with some fans going as far as booing underperforming players, something which is extremely disgraceful. The two incidents involving Andrei Arshavin and Emmanuel Eboue were disappointing to say the least.

When you compare the atmosphere at the Emirates to that at say a venue like the Old Trafford, I get the impression that the supporters are a bit apprehensive when things are not going the Gunners’ way. When the team is trailing or searching for the winner, the fans instead of rallying around the team, seem to be tense almost as if anticipating something wrong to go about.

We saw some real improvement in the matches against United, Barcelona and Chelsea as the fans were truly brilliant as they created an atmosphere that led the Gunners to victory.

But the larger issue is the two fan bases supporting Arsenal. The Gunners fan base is divided into two groups, one that is pro Wenger and one that is against the Frenchman staying at Arsenal.

The one that is against Wenger has to realize that there is no point in rooting against Wenger and criticizing him at every turn. What the team and Wenger needs is the fans to stay behind them, when the going is tough and not just when things are going smoothly. The fans need to back the team, rally around them and support them, through the highs and lows.

By going against Wenger all the fans do is pile on the pressure on the Frenchman adding to the pressure he puts on himself, the one from the numerous critics. Arsenal have several critics who are waiting to rip the Gunners and with constant criticism from all corners of the press, the last thing he needs right now, is his own fans going against him.

I am not asking the anti-Wenger fans to whole heartedly accept him as Arsenal’s savior and nor am I asking you to fully stand by everything he does, but we as fans of Arsenal need to show our faith and support in the club for next season at least.

Arsenal came mighty close to ending their drought this season and while their critics might doubt their chances, the fans have to remain optimistic because with the right signings, the Gunners can challenge for top honors and can win it. They might have collapsed but they showed that with the right signings, they can win the league. We, fans must remain optimistic.

 Arsenal and Wenger will be desperate to win trophies but with competition at its best the Gunners need every bit of support they can muster and if the fans decide to turn against the club, it leads to nowhere, to the club and for the supporters themselves.