Wenger Out Movement is Reaching its Critical Mass

The calls for Arsene Wenger to step down have reached critical mass. The team has lost four in a row across all competitions, and looks to be in disarray when they take the pitch.

“Wenger Out” has been a topic of discussion for the last few years at Arsenal. At different times, it has gained steam only to simmer down after a good run or cup final. Recent form has seen the most adamant of Wenger supporters tested, and the torches and pitchforks are out as fans look for someone to be held responsible for their clubs woes.

The recent losses to Manchester City by matching 3 -0 scores showed the huge gap between Arsenal and the champions in waiting. While one can understand losing to City, Arsenal did little to convince anyone they could even be competitive with the blue side of Manchester. Both matches were big games against the best competition. The gunners inability to get up for either occasion only intensified the focus on Wenger. To follow up, Arsenal continued their poor form against Brighton in a humiliating defeat.

The Wenger-led teams in the 1990’s and early 2000’s did not lose to the likes of Brighton, and were rarely outclassed when they faced the bigger clubs. Those teams had players who would not stand for what the current team is providing. The likes of Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Martin Keown and others would have held everyone accountable for their actions on the pitch.

The current squad lacks that type of leader. Without it, a team that has a great deal of talent looks lost. There are no players who are stepping in and filling the leadership void. Wenger has not been successful in providing it from the bench or in the transfer market. Only those in the locker room can testify to how much Wenger has tried, but it is obvious the message he has been sending is not getting the job done.

With the losses mounting and the top four slipping further away, more fans are moving into the “Wenger Out” column. If their numbers continue to swell, Arsenal’s hand may finally be forced.

Jamie Carragher may have provided the best solution when he stated:

"“The only way you can turn this negative at Arsenal into a positive is if the board – together with the manager – comes out and announces that Wenger will move on in the summer.”"

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This may take the pressure off enough for fans to give Wenger the exit he deserves. Being able to focus on the successes of his career at Arsenal is the way fans should be able to watch him leave. Wenger has provided Arsenal with some of its greatest memories. His efforts brought about the “Invincibles”, and a wealth of aesthetically pleasing football. It would be a shame to see those memories overshadowed by what his final squads have become.