Wenger’s a winner . . .

HAILING from the West Midlands, I’m indifferent to the fortunes of London’s Premier League football clubs. But I am bemused by the rising din from sports journalists and pundits calling time on Arsene Wenger’s 21-year reign at Arsenal.

If any Aston Villa manager had achieved only a fraction of Wegner’s trophy haul — three Premier League titles and six FA Cups — he’d be guaranteed a job for life. Arsenal aren’t currently competing on a level playing field with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, who have the financial clout to pick the world’s best players.

Wenger’s detractors highlight the fact that Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League since 2003/04.

Liverpool haven’t won a league championship since 1990 and Tottenham since 1961, yet no one is demanding the managerial scalps of Messrs Klopp and Pochettino if they don’t win the Premier League title within a couple of years.

Winning silverware is important, but I watch football primarily to be entertained. And under Wenger’s stewardship, including the trophybarren years, Arsenal have produced football that is a joy to watch.

Some will say no one remembers sides that don’t win titles. not so. The magnificent Hungarian team of the Fifties were by far the best side in the world.

They didn’t win the 1954 World Cup, but who will ever forget the likes of Puskas, Hidegkuti and Kocsis who destroyed England 6-3 at Wembley in 1953? The same can be said of the dutch side of the Seventies.

Stop hounding this thoughtful and dignified Frenchman who has contributed so much that is good to the English game.

Wenger will retire when he’s ready, and I hope that day is a long way off.

PETER HENRICK, Birmingham.