OUI WILL MISS YOU
Gunners put on a show worthy of Wenger’s final day in charge
GOODBYES are always difficult, but no one could have imagined this.
Arsene Wenger left with a smile, the first away points of 2018, and the most incredible memories of his farewell tour.
It feels like Wenger has had so many final days that you actually wondered whether there was anything left to say or do.
But Arsenal’s travelling fans and Huddersfield made it extra special and the perfect send-off for one of English football’s greats, after a remarkable 22 years and 1,235 games in charge.
The Frenchman sat in the dugout for much of the hour before kick-off to breathe in one final game, got an incredible reception when he marched out onto the pitch before the game, and then took a spontaneous bow in front of the away end.
The Gunners boss was treated to a minute’s applause in the 22nd minute and planes flying overhead with banners of “Merci Arsene” and “We Will Miss You.” Little over a year ago, they were flying banners calling for his head. How things change.
Arsenal now have to appoint Wenger’s successor and all signs point towards former captain Mikel Arteta, now a coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spaniard appears to be edging Juventus boss Max Allegri as the favourite for the job.
Thankfully, the club have delayed making the appointment until after Wenger is gone because they know how hurtful and disrespectful it would have been to bring someone in before.
Arsenal have made a very difficult process run smoothly and with dignity, which has only added to the emotion of the farewell rather than detracting from it.
Thankfully, for once, even Wenger (with Terriers boss David Wagner below) joined in the party as the Gunners produced a victory to mark their manager’s final game in charge.
It was not exactly a classic, a long way from Wenger’s glory days of expansive football. Huddersfield had nothing to play for, but were keen to celebrate their Premier League survival.
They do parties well here because the stadium has been rocking all season, the fact Arsenal have a connection with Town through legendary manager Herbert Chapman only adds to the history.
Huddersfield fans gave Arsenal supporters stick for being two faced, the travelling army shouted back: “Herbert Chapman – he left cos you’re s**t.”
It was a fun atmosphere and the fans made it. Wenger keeps saying his successor will inherit a good team. Well, without wishing to spoil the mood, that is stretching it. It is a team in need of a rebuild, especially in defence.
Stand-in keeper David Ospina made a terrific early save from a Steve Mounie header, and then Tom Ince blasted a great chance over the bar as Arsenal’s defence was carved open. No wonder their away form is so poor.
But the north Londoners’ frontline came good in the 38th minute. Alexandre Lacazette started the move, Aaron Ramsey fed Pierre-emerick Aubameyang, and the striker fired home his 10th Premier League goal. Only Mo Salah and Harry Kane have done better since he arrived.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan looked lively and there are good things to build on – the away side could have scored more in the closing stages but Lacazette and Danny Welbeck wasted big openings.
Whoever comes in next will get players like Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding who, with the right coaching, can improve and blend into a team with undoubted attacking talent.
The hosts finished their memorable season with defeat, but the fans swarmed onto the pitch at the final whistle, and Wenger darted down the tunnel as the Terriers began to celebrate.
The best thing about Huddersfield is the atmosphere and with these passionate fans they make you think anything is possible.
Arsenal supporters have shown in the past few weeks their appreciation for Wenger and what being a fan is all about.