Yesterday saw Arsenal beat West Brom 1-0 and guarantee 4th place. Arsenal have been consistent and impressive at home with only losing 1 game which was against Villa at the start of the season. The big talking point though was about Wenger and Sagna’s future.
As I tuned into the lap of appreciation I was keen to look at Wenger and Sagna’s reactions. Bacary Sagna led the lap of appreciation but there was no signs that he is about to quit. Sometimes when a player is leaving they spend more time with the fans especially if they have been a loyal servant, which Sagna has been.
Wenger
For the last couple of months all the questions have been centred around Wenger’s future and why he hasn’t signed a new deal. However, Wenger was adamant that he was staying regardless of the FA cup result. Wenger was continually questioned about his contract and answer yes every time in different ways. Wenger was at his usual best with his humorous manner.
“I told you many times: My word is my word and I'm from a period, ancestral, where you didn't need a pen to commit,” smiled Wenger.
“When pressed whether he will be in charge next season, Wenger added: “Look at me. You will see me again” (Daily Mirror)
Now it is increasingly looking likely that Wenger will stay he now needs to focus on signing 3 world class players. The core is there but it just needs fine tuning.
Sagna
If one person is deserving of a new deal then it is definitely Bacary Sagna. The crowd was defiant in this message especially when Sagna put in a good tackle or even crossed. The crowd roared “We want you to stay, we want you to stay, Bacary Sagna, we want you to stay”
This was summed up on Arsenal fan TV by numerous fans. All comments were positive with comments such as “Let Sagna retire at Arsenal” and “Give him 100k a week.” The message is clear by all Arsenal fans it is now up to Arsenal.
Wenger was pressed at his post-match news conference and had the following to say; “I want him (Sagna) to stay and I hope that convinces him that we love him here and that he will stay. “
“We have two players at the end of their contracts and that is Sagna and Fabianski and if it's down to me, they both stay.”
If the FA cup is to be Sagna’s last game, and lest not forget Fabianski then hopefully we win the cup because they have both been wonderful servants.
Overall, progress has been made especially if we win the cup but that will be more difficult than people may think. All we can do is think what could have happened if we didn’t have key injuries at crucial times.
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