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London, United Kingdom | AFP | Arsene Wenger decided to bring his 22-year reign as manager to a close to unite the club’s frustrated fanbase, the Frenchman revealed after a 4-1 victory over West Ham was played out in a surprisingly subdued atmosphere at the Emirates on Sunday.
Wenger, 68, had come under growing pressure to go by supporters prior to making his decision public on Friday.
Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups under Wenger, but haven’t won the league for 14 years.
4️⃣ goals
3️⃣ points
2️⃣ @LacazetteAlex strikes
1️⃣ Arsène Wenger#AFCvWHU pic.twitter.com/GizU9Acm1C— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 22, 2018
The Gunners are on course for their worst-ever finish of Wenger’s reign in the Premier League as they languish in sixth, six points behind Chelsea, despite goals from Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and two late strikes from Alexandre Lacazette ensuring a comfortable victory over West Ham.
“The fans did not give me the image of unity I want all over the world and that was hurtful because I think the club is respected,” said Wenger.
“Overall, the image we gave is not what it is and not what I like.”
In his programme notes Wenger reiterated his plea for the fans to get behind the team for the rest of the season with Arsenal still in with a chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League via the Europa League.
How many more goals for you today, @LacazetteAlex? ?
Rank Laca’s performance from 1⃣ to ? below pic.twitter.com/18QLc90c7F
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 22, 2018
But there were only sporadic chants of “there’s only one Arsene Wenger” from the home support, whilst, continuing a trend in recent home games, empty seats could be seen around the Emirates.
“I’m not resentful,” added Wenger. “I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club needs, for me that is more important than me.”
