WENGER LEAVING A WRECK FOR HIS REPLACEMENT

WITH Arsene Wenger’s departure from Arsenal becoming increasingly likely, thoughts have turned to the challenge facing his replacement. Best of luck matching his success, is the message. Take a good look, there’ll never be another. And yes, it will be a trial replicating Wenger’s consistency, his many qualifications for the Champions League, his immense record in the FA Cup — and those early title wins. Yet one of the reasons for that is the parlous state of Wenger’s bequest, the dismal work ethic of his squad, the players he has lost, the weakness of those he has signed. Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor inherited title winners and a berth in the Champions League. The next in at Arsenal takes over a club that is losing touch with its elite rivals and will probably contend the Europa League at best. It will be a lot harder to match what Wenger has built because he has left the gas on and a cigarette burning before closing the door behind him.