It Was A Strange Season – Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger again found his future was the focus of attention ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the season against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

At the Gunners’ last home game, some supporters staged a protest urging Wenger to quit and two weeks on, the Arsenal manager’s contract was again at issue, with the Frenchman insisting he would not consider extending his current deal until it is due to expire at the end of next season.

Wenger admitted he would see how next term pans out before deciding on his next move and the same no doubt applies to the club, although the 66-year-old enjoys strong backing from the board.

A repeat of this season’s frustration will leave Wenger in a similar position, but it is a measure of the consistency he has brought to the club that a likely third place finish in the Premier League is viewed as a disappointment.

They could even finish second if Tottenham lose at Newcastle and Arsenal beat bottom club Villa.

But the main difference this season is the widely held belief this was the best chance Arsenal had of winning the title in years.

“It was a strange season. We’ve finished the season disappointed because we felt we had the chance to win the championship,” Wenger said.

“Of course we are frustrated but Leicester have had consistent results and the rest of the division have had ups and downs.

“Everybody else can be frustrated but Leicester only lost three games this season. Nobody else had the same consistency.

“Is it down to the fact that Leicester were a surprise package? Is it down to the fact that they only played one competition?

“Certainly there’s some explanation there, but if you only analyse the technical numbers, there’s no rationale.

“That’s why you have to say they have been absolutely remarkable and you have to congratulate them.”