Don't blame Wenger

IN THE festival of hand-wringing about the current plight of Arsenal, some fans have sought to blame Arsene Wenger. If that wasn’t so funny, it would be sad.

The truth is that Wenger’s astute management camouflaged the financial restrictions imposed upon spending at The Emirates for years. He still kept Arsenal in the top four, almost until the end of his tenure. He was castigated when he finished sixth. Arsenal are currently 15th, which puts things in perspective.

So, no, the fault is not Wenger’s. Nor is it Mikel Arteta’s (right). It is time for Arsenal supporters to stop pointing the finger at their managers and look at the ownership and the decisions that have been made by Stan Kroenke. Arsenal were once the model of a well-run club. Not any more.