DOES THIS LOOK LIKE FAILURE?

Delighted & defiant Wenger sets out his vision of the Gunners’ future as he bids for TWO MORE YEARS at the Emirates

ARSENE WENGER had just made FA Cup history but was already thinking about the future.

He had become the most successful manager in the competition, the weight of the world looked as if it had been lifted from his shoulders – and he was determined to make his point.

The Arsenal boss turned a post-match interview into a power-play by sending out a very clear message, knowing the hierarchy would get to hear even if they were celebrating in the directors’ box. Wenger was talking about fit-again Per Mertesacker after his manof-the-match performance, praising his rehabilitation programme and “the work that goes into getting players fit” after injury.

It might have sounded like an innocuous remark but the reality, along with snide recent comments about robots, computers and directors of football, is that he was fed up with people questioning him.

Wenger is fiercely loyal, does not appreciate his staff being criticised and the inference that some of his methods and backroom team are outdated and need freshening up.

Now Wenger, having become the first manager to win the FA Cup seven times, is in a much stronger position ahead of the board meeting tomorrow and he will go in demanding support – or else.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has said this season must be a “catalyst for change”, even “old school” board members become concerned during a turbulent time and Wenger has been under real pressure for the first time in his 21-year reign.

Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke remains firmly behind Wenger, his skin as thick and attitude as defiant as the Frenchman’s amid criticism. But there