Cup win just the start of a long haul for Wenger

ONE of the last games of the domestic season turned out to be among the best FA Cup finals we have seen this century. Arsenal’s victory was the product of one of their best performances in recent years. Few gave them a chance against Chelsea but they dominated from start to finish and ended a difficult campaign on a high. I was most pleased for their manager Arsene Wenger (right), who wore a smile of deep contentment at the final whistle. Whether you feel he should have gone or believe he still has much to give, nobody can dispute he is a class act. Back in February, after they had been demolished in the Champions League by Bayern Munich, I said here that with Wenger’s contract running down, a parting of the ways with Arsenal would have been for the best. I felt the criticism he was taking could not continue and, with them always falling at the same hurdles, I suggested another coach could come in and change the direction. As it stands, though, he will carry on for another two years. Maybe things are going to change at the Emirates and the big victories over Manchester City and Chelsea were a sign of things to come. If Arsenal could play as they did at Wembley consistently, the discontent would soon disappear. If I was an Arsenal fan, however, I would still have ended this week worried. Why? Wenger’s comments about them being very close to the title. Things remain a long way from being perfect.