WENGER’S HEADACHE
Boss needs a new skipper
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ARSENAL played the second half against Manchester City on Sunday without a skipper.
After captain Laurent Koscielny limped off at half-time with an Achilles injury, boss Arsene Wenger failed to pick a replacement to wear the armband.
It’s the latest twist in the growing confusion around Wenger, who is still refusing to reveal whether he plans to stay or leave at the end of the season.
Critics point to a lack of leaders at the club and Wenger admitted he had not yet decided who will fill the role against West Ham tonight, in the absence of Koscielny.
But the Frenchman did come out fighting by dismissing a fans’ protest outside the club’s Hertfordshire training ground.
A small group of supporters turned up with signs calling for him to leave, with one wearing a Wenger mask and holding a ‘fourth place trophy’ placard, in reference to their 13-year wait for a league title.
Pride
The 67-year-old – whose team have picked up just four points from 24 – brushed them aside, saying: “It is three guys. Honestly – why should I waste energy on that?”
He also had little time for a fans’ forum held before Sunday’s 2-2 draw with City at which chief executive Ivan Gazidis revealed Wenger must become a “catalyst for change” for the club if he does stay.
Wenger said: “What is important is good footballers who play with the right spirit, the right attitude and the right pride to defend the colours of the club.
“The problem in our game today is that what is superficial is at the heart of the debate and the things that are important nobody talks about.”
It has been suggested Wenger might be forced to accept a sporting director if he stays. But he feels such a move is years off, saying: “We play tomorrow against West Ham and we speak about 2025.” ¬ÊArsenal keeper David Ospina has joined Petr Cech on the injury list, meaning rookie Emiliano Martinez will start tonight.