Arsene Wenger's future at Arsenal depends on the FA Cup semi-final

Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal dependent on the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan

Arsenal’s FA Cup semi final match against Wigan can have a far reaching implication as many experts believe that it can affect the future of their legendary manager Arsene Wenger with the club. A defeat in the FA Cup clash can further weaken the position of the Frenchman who is already under fire for the team’s dismal performance in the recent games and not even a top four finish can guarantee the complete support of the Gunner fans.

Wenger has been the target of the fans’ rage in the wake of the recent bad form shown by the team and a major part of the fan base are looking to replace him with a new face at the helm of the club.

On the day of the FA Cup semi- final draw, Arsenal was placed third in the EPL standings, 11 points clear of Everton (who were struggling at seventh at that point). A top four finish looked quite comfortable for the Gunners and the prospect of silverware was quite strong with Wigan overcoming the FA Cup favourites Manchester City in the quarter finals.

But things have gone downhill from that moment for the Arsenal team and for Arsene Wenger. Arsenal have been under severe pressure following a horrible run in the league which saw them gain only five points from their five matches, including hefty defeats against Everton and Chelsea. The Arsenal defence has come under severe scrutiny and a top four finish seems quite challenging with Everton breathing down their necks for the 4th spot.

However, the blame is not completely justified as things are well beyond Wenger’s control and to be fair, once the game starts, he has very minimal influence. It is clear that the Arsenal players have failed their manager in the recent outings and the result is clearly seen in the EPL points tally. The performances against Chelsea and Everton re established the faltering form of the squad and also the lack of a quality central forward.

Arsene Wenger’s tenure of 18 years at Arsenal have been characterized by his total faith in his squad and he has never resorted to criticising them in public. On the other hand, he has always been quite protective of his players and it seems that this time, the future of the legendary manager depends on the future performances of his players in the season.

Arsenal won their last trophy in the year 2005 by defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup, and the eight year long trophy drought has been an embarrassing phase in the club’s illustrious history. As a result, the FA Cup triumph this year can be a legendary moment in the club’s modern history and can be the start of a new glory era for the club. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky is aware of the consequences of the semi final tie and while talking to the club website, he said,

“It would be a big lift for everyone because you still have a lot of players here who don’t know how it feels to win a trophy. Mainly the guys who are coming through like Jack, Aaron and all these boys. They don’t know how success tastes, so it is a massive chance for us to win a trophy this year.

If Arsenal’s players show focus and determination at Wembley, they ought to have far too much for Wigan. The Latics are in tremendous form, but a division separates them from the Gunners. Arsenal have no excuse.”

Wenger was quite vocal about his confidence in the squad and made it clear that his team will fight till the last minute for the oldest trophy in English football history.

“Don’t imagine I sacrifice every day of my life not to win a trophy. Everybody fights for that,” he added. “We all play to win something.”

“In fact in 2005 we did not deserve to win the final,” he added. “Being defensive was the only way we could win it.

“At the start I didn’t set up like that and suddenly they were all over us and I realised that physically we were not able to compete, so I said ‘ok let’s defend as long as we can’.”

The FA Cup can be turning point in the history of Arsenal’s modern era and as it stands, a major factor in what the future holds for their manager Arsene Wenger.