The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
– Internal strife –
Though Arsenal reported that 59,131 tickets were sold for the Watford game, there were several thousand seats left empty as supporters stayed away in protest at Wenger’s struggles.
The north London club are without a league title since 2004 and fans have lost patience with Wenger’s failure to build a new powerhouse.
Recognising that internal strife will dent Arsenal’s bid to get back on track in the closing weeks of the season, Mkhitaryan called on supporters to show their true colours.
“We’re always playing for the fans, it doesn’t matter if they could have come today or not,” Mkhitaryan told beIN Sports.
“We’re always playing for those who come and support us; the people who are really coming and supporting us are real fans.
We’re back underway in N5 – let’s secure the win, lads ?
Follow ? https://t.co/fh4FyeG5tv #AFCvWFC 1-0 (46) pic.twitter.com/RMDH9Woutk
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 11, 2018
“Those who are coming to the stadium just when we are winning we have nothing to say. Just thanks to the fans who were supporting.”
It was a gutsy move by Mkhitaryan, who had laid on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal against Watford with a driving run and typically precise pass.
His former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Aubameyang repaid the favour with the pass that allowed the Armenian to score his first league goal for the Gunners later in the game.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing with him, it’s something special,” Mkhitaryan said.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, the old friends will be separated for the Milan clash as Aubameyang isn’t allowed to play.
Aubameyang is cup-tied despite not playing in the Europa League this season because Dortmund dropped from the Champions League into the Europa League, making him ineligible to represent his new club due to UEFA rules.
The absence of Aubameyang places extra pressure on Mkhitaryan and judging by his initial impact in an Arsenal shirt he will be up to the task.
