Updated at 10.30
FORMER MAN UNITED man Gary Neville has leapt to the defence of Arsene Wenger in the wake of the criticism directed at the Arsenal boss following the Gunners’ 3-1 loss to Chelsea.
Wenger’s side were torn apart by the English table toppers at Stamford Bridge, and fans of the north London club are showing signs of frustration and deja vu as they once again endure a Premier League title push falling to pieces.
With supporters tired of falling near the final hurdle, calls are being made for the French boss to resign and make way for a new boss with new ideas that could finally get the Gunners over the title line for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
And Neville, perhaps an unlikely source of support for Wenger, has called for people to appreciate the bigger picture at the Emirates.
Wenger’s biggest challenge is that he’s been there a long time,” he told Sky Sports. “If Wenger was Jurgen Klopp and was above Man City and Man United — clubs that have spent £200m between them — people would say he is doing a great job.
“If you were to imagine Arsenal without Wenger, they could end up seventh or eighth given the budgets they have. If Wenger were Klopp now, we’d be saying he is doing a good job because he’s 18 months in. Actually, isn’t Wenger not doing a great job full stop?
It was embarrassing seeing Arsenal fans slating Wenger after the Chelsea game. He doesn’t deserve that, he has done an unbelievable job. If he were to announce his retirement, everybody would plough in with tributes and in 10 months’ time they might be thinking, ‘I wish he was still here’.
“There isn’t a part of me that wants Arsenal to replace Wenger when the club have supported him for so many years. I feel very uncomfortable suggesting the grass may be greener and that he should move on.”
Neville subsequently argued with The Times’ Chief Football Writer Henry Winter over the Sky Sports pundit’s description of a fan calling for Wenger to go as an “idiot,” while also offering to go on Arsenal Fan TV and debate the issue with Gunners supporters.
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Looks like they are going to tear lumps out of eachother! Can’t wait to see it
Yes, at around 4am is my guess
Cheers lad
Mcgregor and Poirer playing the crowd really well for this!..Two good fighters who know how to sell tickets!..big pay day in store for both..going to be a great fight as well!!
Throw the flag on the ground. Classy.
Keyboard warrior #classy
I’m sorry, forgot about the hero-worshipping bandwagon I’m supposed to be on. I’ll only make inanely trivial comments from now on so that nobody calls me a keyboard warrior and the masses of fanboys don’t red thumb me.
Sounds like a decent plan
100% with you Oisin
Oisin + Noggy, the problem in this country is, if you don’t follow GAA or Soccer and adhere to the masses, then morons (not calling either of you morons) can’t help but criticise and put down the less followed sports like MMA. I follow rugby and MMA and only comment on those two sports and keep my opinions of other sports to myself. It’s a basic show of respect that lacks greatly among a fair few people that comment on sports articles.
That’s fair enough Gary and I agree with you on the mainstream sports point. I only have a passing interest in MMA – I’m not attacking it and my issue with disrespect of the flag as nothing to do with MMA directly. I’d make the same point about Robbie, BOD, Gooch, Katie, Harrington, Sonia if they threw the tricolour on the floor like that. Or any non-sports person for that matter.
The morality is just nauseating. How about the adrenaline? Think this one through oisin. He brings tri colour out on shoulders throws it to the ground in an effort to disrespect it? Indeed. Build a bridge and get over it….. analysis paralysis and every move pro sports people make. it’s too much sometimes
What time will this be on in Ireland and will it be on BT Sport?
Oh man I literally can not wait for this fight ! Loving the hype . McGregor is a master showman which is why he has this level of exposure after his third UFC fight. For those that don’t like him there’s a simple solution, don’t read the post and don’t watch the fight! Nobody is forcing ye to. It’s that simple really.
Muppet
surly you guys have seen conor before , he hoists the flag and shows it with pride , im sure today the blood was flowing and thats the only reason he threw it .