Last term Arsenal finished third with 75 points, a total they can not now reach, even if they win their two remaining matches this season, which come against Manchester City (away) and Aston Villa (home).
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FC’s Shaka Hislop discusses Arsenal supporters’ discontent and his thoughts on Norwich’s chances of survival.
A section of the Emirates voiced its frustration at the club’s lack of progress in the 12th and 78th minutes of Arsenal’s 1-0 win on Saturday.
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“It was a unusual atmosphere”. “But we have to live with that”. And the big majority was behind the team. Some fans were protesting, yes, but the vast majority were supporting the team.
“So it was all right”.
The substitution of Welbeck turned out to be a master stroke from Wenger, with Redknapp and Sherwood feeling his introduction changed the game for Arsenal and gave them energy and fluidity going forward in attack.
“It was a much-wanted win, and needed and hard”, said Wenger.
“No, I was focused on the game”. They have won two of their last 15 league games, with 11 defeats. You can do both. Being out for such a long time and coming back, you have to get back into match fitness.
This season we hoped we could win the league – it didn’t happen and that’s why people are frustrated. But some fans remain unhappy after seeing the Gunners’ implode over the second half of the season.
Perhaps if Arsenal fans need some pointers on protests they should look to Blackpool, who made their feelings about their owners very clear.
In a divided stadium, there were those who supported their manager, singing “there’s only one Arsene Wenger” in response to the 12th-minute protest.
“I feel confident”, Neil said.
“I’m a professional who has given 19 years to this club and tries to give my best for the club”. I’m irritated and frustrated if I can not keep people happy. I am sorry that I can not keep 100 percent happy but maybe that is because we have been remarkably consistent.
“The banks wanted the technical consistency to guarantee that we have a chance to pay [them] back”. “We came to a real tough place today and I think the players showed as much commitment and quality as we can ask”. “Norwich were very well organised but we were serious and got the win in the end”.
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“Obviously it is down to the manager, but I just want to play every single game as players do”.
