Arsenal has seen its ups and downs lately. After three straight losses, it managed to get a draw against Tottenham which helped silence some critics, but not all of them. The club is entering a critical stretch of matches which includes a meeting with Hull City in the English FA Cup before seeing Barcelona in its second Champions League game. Those matches could be the make or break factor in determining Arsene Wenger's future with the club.
Wenger has heard the speculation. He has heard the criticism regarding his managing of Arsenal. If the club misses out on a Premier League title, there is a good chance that he might be let go despite his long tenure with the team. Wenger continues to be forced to address his job security, something he admits is getting boring.
"What I find just boring is always sitting here, after 19 years, [being asked] 'Do you think you're good enough?' If not, somebody will tell me, but it's not you," Wenger said. "I have worked here for 20 years, and I'm always sitting here having to justify that I'm good enough to do the job."
The issue for Wenger is that Arsenal was expecting to be the top team in the Premier League all season. The team spent a lot of money prior to the season kicking off and so far it has not paid off. While Wenger's long-term résumé is excellent, his short-term résumé leaves a lot to be desired. The reality is that he has three wins in the past 12 matches. Currently preparing to face Hull in the FA Cup, Wenger made it clear that he is not seeking the approval of the fans.
"I cannot influence the behaviour of the fans," Wenger said. "How can I do that? I don't know. I am humble enough every day to question myself, to accept my mistakes and, believe me, I do that. After that there is no coincidence that the people who own the club tell me to be here for 19 years."
Arsenal is still in the mix for the Premier League title. The team is sitting in third, but considering the lead Leicester has in the top spot, a run is unlikely for the Gunners. Instead, the team will try to stay alive in Champions League play while also contending for the FA Cup. The fans are frustrated.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright does not believe Wenger should be criticized if the best the team can do is hoist the FA Cup. It might not be a Premier League title, but it could help keep Wenger's job.
"Two years ago Arsenal lifted the FA Cup and it was seen as the saving grace for Arsene Wenger," Wright said. "Now it's being used as a stick to beat him with - almost viewed as an 'also-ran' competition not worthy of even winning. That, in my book, is the most ridiculous insult for a competition which still deserves its place as the best in football."
