Is time up for Wenger?

As Everton team ran rings around Arsenal last week, Arsene Wenger stood on the sidelines with a helplessness which has seldom been part of the Frenchman’s demeanour. Wenger’s expression mirrored the one that was etched on his face when his 1,000th match party was gatecrashed by Chelsea. Given the current travails of his team, it is hard not to think whether the time has come for Wenger to step down.

When it comes to long-serving managers at top football clubs, the only person who can be placed above the Frenchman is former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. But the fact remains that despite a solid start to the campaign, in no small amount kick-started by the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, Arsenal have fallen behind in the title race and face an uphill battle to secure a Champions League spot.

Arsenal’s loss in the crunch match against Everton saw the Gunners unable to cope with Romelu Lukaku, who has been shifted to the right by the wily Roberto Martinez, and their lack of answers to the high pressing tactic of Chelsea abundantly exposed the 64year-old’s frailties in formulating strategy. It is true that Arsenal are missing some key players including Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott, among others, but the team still has enough talent to put up a fight.

There is little doubt that Wenger will leave Arsenal with a splendid legacy. His achievements speak for him. His tactical nous in the early years and attention to detail revitalised Arsenal. When Wenger suggested that his team could go through a season unbeaten, his critics sniggered but the Frenchman did manage to mastermind an invincible season for his team.

While the inspired signing of Patrick Vieira and farsighted capture of a teenaged Cesc Fabregas proved his craftiness. Perhaps his greatest achievement is the conversion of Thierry Henry from a winger to one of the most prolific strikers in the world. An analysis of Wenger’s career will show him as one of Arsenal’s greatest managers.

With his contract coming to an end and the club and the manager yet to agree a new deal, Wenger’s future hangs in the balance.

Now doubts float around like dust in the air. Is there a future for Wenger at Arsenal?