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This is the moment. The last chapter of a storied partnership is about to be written. 16 years of distinguished service culminates in this epic finale.
‘Arsene who?”, they had asked.
Today, a generation of Arsenal supporters cannot even imagine their team without this man. Arsene Wenger, 63, is Arsenal’s longest serving and most successful manager. Hailed for instilling the silky passing game into a team, which had been known for their ‘boring boring’ style during the early 1990s, which has completed its transformation into one of the most entertaining sides in world football. Achieving the “League and FA Cup Double” twice lent an air of invincibility to Wenger. This was put on display when Arsenal went on to become the first team to win the Premier League without a single loss, in the course of their historic 49 game unbeaten streak. Arsene became the toast of the entire footballing world. The unbridled success story that revolutionized the manner in which English football operates. The glory extended to relish the taste of the FA Cup in 2005 where they overcame long time rivals, Manchester United.
Inexplicably, Arsenal have never won a trophy ever since. The team that were declared ‘Invincible’ were slowly dismembered. The star cast were sold off at great prices. New signings that were brought in failed to fill in the roles of those who left. The art of recognizing promising young talent seemed to have deserted the “Professor”. The wheel of fortune has spun unfavourably for the North Londoners and trophies have managed elude them despite reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League (2006) and the League Cup(2007 & 2011).
After 93 years at Highbury, the club moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006. The financial burden of the move to the Emirates had to be endured by a host of stakeholders and even the fans weren’t spared as the ticket prices became the most expensive in the league. A hike in stadium prices which has inconveniently coincided with the sustained lack of success that has followed has fuelled the flame of frustration among the supporters. The policy of profiting on sale of world class players like Henry, Fabregas, Nasri, and Robin Van Persie hasn’t sat well with the fans. Wenger has received flack for his statements that equated the qualification to the Champions League to a ‘trophy’. The disgruntled supporters have grown increasingly vocal about their displeasure at the way in which the club has functioned. The ‘Wenger Out Brigade’ was formed and it has grown in popularity and gone on to amass great numbers with each trophy-less year that has passed. What began as a whisper has now grown into an orchestra-assisted chorus . The roar of frustration can no longer can be ignored. This wave of supporters are on the brink of starting a revolution. A revolution that will not accept anything but success.
In the meanwhile, the top teams in the Premier League have concluded a game of managerial musical chairs. Sir Alex has retired as a champion. Mancini has been sacked despite finishing second. Benitez has run down his contract as Interim Manager at Chelsea after winning the Europa League. David Moyes’ stint with Everton has come to an end. Arsene Wenger has comfortably become the most seasoned manager in the League.
Sweeping changes are expected to take place in the season that is to come. ‘ The Special One’ is set to return to Stamford Bridge. Moyes will be taking charge of the Red Devils. Pellegrini could well be handling the reigns of Manchester City. Bale is set to ensure that Spurs will endure a torrid transfer season after managing a Europa League spot. It will be earmarked as one which will witness the exhaustion of the leash of tolerance and patience for Wenger.
The Final Stand of Arsene Wenger. A trophy will change the entire landscape as it will bring the light of vindication in Wenger’s philosophy. The light at the end of the tunnel. Fresh interest by global corporations will be sparked off and a long line of sponsors will be ready for a big pay out to associate themselves with a successful club with a storied history. Conversely, failure might spark a revolution. The Board will have to face the music as the ‘Wenger Out Brigade’ will call for his head with increased clamor. The stakes have never been higher.
The stage is set. The onus and spotlight will be squarely on one man – Arsene Wenger. The final year of contract for the ‘Professor’. Major portion of the stadium debt has been repaid. Revenue from sponsorship deals, Champions League, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and the sale of star players has ensured that Wenger has been given a reported £70 Million war chest for the summer transfer window. High profile players are being linked to the club. There is a special buzz and excitement in the circles of this historic club and the expectations have been heightened. The time has come to realize the much awaited dream and Arsenal fans cannot picture anyone else holding a trophy aloft for the club than Mr. Wenger.
