TIME FOR THE FINAL CURTAIN, ARSENE
ALL good things must come to an end.
That certainly goes for Arsene Wenger’s record in the biggest games at Wembley – and probably for his Arsenal reign at the end of the season.
This defeat was as bad as it comes – embarrassing, humbling and emphatic.
The League Cup may be way down the list of priorities for all the Premier League’s big bosses.
But in this era of a top six rather than a top four and diminishing chances of winning a trophy, any piece of silverware is not to be sniffed at.
Victory against Manchester City almost certainly would have bought Wenger some vital breathing space with those frustrated fans who believe his time is up after almost 22 years.
At least until the next defeat sparks another almost inevitable Gunners crisis.
With those who call the shots at the
Emirates, a trophy would surely have Aguero 18, Kompany 58, Silva 65 been enough to earn him the chance to see out the final year of his contract.
But now, the prospect of Mesut Ozil (below) and Co failing to make the Champions League next season and ending the campaign trophy-less looks the likeliest outcome.
And even the great survivor Wenger could struggle to resuscitate his Arsenal career.
When asked if he would be there next season, he relpied:
‘Who know?”
He will now prioritise winning the Europa League, where they face AC Milan in the last 16, to salvage Arsenal’s season. Wenger said: “We have to prioritise the next game (against City in the league) before we speak about the Europa League. We will take it very seriously, but we have to win big games because if you want to go far you have to do that. We are ready to play a big team.
“Let’s win the next one and leave the conclusions to you.” Before yesterday, Wembley had been good to the Frenchman on the big occasion in recent years, with the Gunners winning their last nine major games – semi-finals, finals and Community Shields – at the national stadium. Wenger’s good fortune ran out against City and his quest for a first League Cup triumph goes on