Should Arsenal finally call time on Arsene’s reign? Here’s what we think

It’s a question every football fan has pondered – regardless of who you support. And this week, the Ladbrokes News team are giving their opinions…

So is it #wengerin or #wengerout?

Here’s what the lads in the office had to say…

William Geldart – Ladbrokes News Editor

As a Premier League neutral I can only sit back and watch the madness at the Emirates unfold with a wry smile. The whole situation is a soap opera with protagonists on both sides fighting pitched battles.

Ultimately, given the fact that Arsene Wenger’s position is causing such animosity, coupled with his high-profile failures of the past 13 years, I think it’s time he does the right thing and steps aside. And not take a seat in the Director’s Box.

Of course there’s a short-term danger in losing Wenger. But I don’t subscribe to the theory that there’s nobody out there who can pick up the slack.

Plenty of Europe’s top coaches would be interested in the chance to manage a club like Arsenal.

VERDICT – #WENGEROUT

Richard Marsh – Ladbrokes News Writer

I’ve been a long-standing Premier League neutral, but have often sided with the ‘Wenger In’ brigade.

But I’m beginning to change my stance.

The defeat to Watford brutally exposed the notion that Arsenal simply haven’t grown into title contenders, and that’s been the case for the best part of 10 years now.

Granted, the Gunners can’t ultimately compete financially with Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea in the transfer market, but Leicester showed us that that is no excuse.

You can’t lay the blame squarely at Wenger – the club’s transfer strategy needs looking at – but ultimately, it probably is time for the Frenchman to stand down this summer, and allow his beloved club to move into a new era.

VERDICT – #WENGEROUT

Dave Burin – Ladbrokes News Writer

While I do think the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade have been unduly harsh in some cases, there’s little doubt that it’s time for a change at the Emirates.

Despite having spent around £180m since summer 2014, we’re still no closer to seeing an Arsenal side that look like genuine title contenders – and for a club of the Gunners’ stature, fanbase and potential, that simply isn’t good enough.

Wenger has continually struggled for a Plan B in games where Arsenal have gone down, and yet again his side seems to lack the psychological mettle to win the biggest games – as evidenced in their limp 3-1 surrender at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

There’s no doubt he has achieved some incredible things at the club, but aside from two Emirates FA Cup triumphs – both against fairly weak opposition – those successes are ancient history, in footballing terms.

What Arsenal need right now is a tactically flexible, ruthless gaffer with a recent track record of lifting league titles.

Simeone or Allegri are names Gooners want to see, not another year of safe but unimpressive top-four finishes under Wenger in which they never really threaten to win a league title.

VERDICT – #WENGEROUT

Alex Apati – Ladbrokes News Writer

This is a hard one for me. As a fan I want the best for Arsenal Football Club, and if that means a change in the dugout, then so be it.

I don’t think there’s any excuse for this side not challenging for the title. The strength in depth is evident, the finances are there and the fanbase is incredible.

The problem Wenger has now is that those supporters who used to blame the board for the club’s current position can’t do that anymore. We’ve not sold anyone noteworthy since Robin van Persie left in 2012. In that time we’ve spent roughly £270m on new arrivals.

Wenger is quickly turning from legend to laughing stock – Chelsea fans singing ‘we want you to stay’ last weekend only emphasised that point tenfold.

If he does leave this season, I’m hoping it’s because we finish outside the top four.

That way, the next man in charge will come in with no pressure on his shoulders, and he’ll be given at least two years to turn things around. If he calls it a day after a top four finish, anything less than that from the new boss would see him under instant pressure – look at what happened to David Moyes at Man United.

Wenger said he wouldn’t leave his post until he felt he’d left his successor with a squad capable of challenging for titles.

That’s exactly what he has right now.

VERDICT – #WENGEROUT

Well, it looks like we all agree here!

But what do you think? Should Wenger call it a day, or can he still achieve something special with Arsenal?

Have your say in the comments section below!

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