Winger call for united for crucial games

Wenger demands united Arsenal for crucial run-in

By AFP   |   09 April 2017   |   3:48 pm 

Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger (C) greets Arsenal’s Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez after he is substituted during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at The Emirates Stadium in London on March 7, 2017. PHOTO: Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal can still enjoy an uplifting finale to their traumatic season if they maintain a unified front starting at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Wenger has been under siege like never before in recent weeks as angry Arsenal fans demand the Gunners boss be forced to step down after yet another underwhelming campaign.

A section of Arsenal’s support staged their latest protest against Wenger during Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over West Ham United as they stayed away from their Emirates Stadium seats until the 13th minute to signify the number of years since they last won the Premier League.

It is also 11 years since Arsenal reached the Champions League final, with the chances of lifting either of those major trophies appearing further away than ever after their domestic travails and a European humiliation against Bayern Munich.

Wenger has so far refused to confirm whether he will sign an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season. “I cannot tell you now (if a decision will come before the end of the season) because I don’t know, I am focused on our next game,” Wenger said this week.

The endless speculation about the beleaguered 67-year-old’s future has been an unwanted distraction for a team already destabilised by the failure of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to sign new contracts.

Ozil said on Sunday that he won’t make a decision on his future until Wenger’s situation is clearer.

“It’s not just important for me, but for the whole club,” Ozil told the Mail on Sunday. “It’s important to know if he stays or if he goes. We need to think towards next season. “He’s very important. In my career I’ve always made decisions not just because of clubs, but managers too.”

Aware of the depressing vibe around his club, Wenger acknowledged the West Ham win was essential to restore morale and he hopes the way his players stuck together will be repeated at Selhurst Park in another crucial London derby.

“Look, I feel we came out of a very difficult period and what we have shown is that we are united and focused and determined to do things right again,” Wenger said.

“That was questioned for a while and I think we gave the right response. We have to show that focus now until the end of the season. “There’s still a lot to fight for. That is what’s at stake basically.”