Martin Keown has claimed that Arsene Wenger has taken too long to give up the helm at Arsenal, claiming he has no players in the dressing room to turn to in times of crisis.
The former Gunners defender enjoyed a rich spell whilst with the club in Arsene Wenger’s earlier years, picking up a number of trophies, and whilst he is proud of his time spent under the manager, he thinks that it is time he left.
Keown insists that the best time for the Frenchman to leave has now been and gone, and he is now struggling to get the best from his players.
“Like every great leader, you find the right time to leave the club,” he said. “That moment has gone since long ago.
“Now he’s trying to get a performance from players who are looking over their shoulder at who’s coming in next.
“Who can Arsene turn to in that changing room now?
“But he’s put himself in that position, there’s no players for him after getting rid of people like Giroud.”
He also said: “Is it a defining night for Arsene Wenger? Last season they went out of the Champions League versus Bayern Munich, it was 10-2 over the two ties.
“The owner has supported Arsene Wenger but it gets ever closer to a change being made.
“I’m not looking forward to the Brighton game. If they lose that as well it really tests the club.
“He may even ask the club ‘do you want to keep me here’ because it’s turned that sour.”
Would Wenger really second-guess his position mid-season and mid-contract? Will Wenger ever make the decision to leave before being pushed out?
Pat J