Arsenal fans must consign factions to past after Wenger’s new deal | Chas Newkey-Burden


On balance the manager’s extended stay is welcome but changes will still be required behind the scenes – and in the Emirates Stadium stands

So the banners, the YouTube videos and the fly-over planes have failed. The “Wenger Out” campaign has been ferocious in recent months, even becoming a global meme, but, alas, the manager has agreed a two-year contract extension at Arsenal.

A new deal seemed improbable between February and April when Arsenal were losing against Watford, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in the league, and enduring two 5-1 humiliations against Bayern Munich. More and more fans began to demand Arsène Wenger’s head, swathes of empty seats became a feature of home matches, and the man himself seemed on the brink of tears in post-match pressers.

Related: Arsène Wenger agrees two-year contract to continue Arsenal stay

Related: Arsène Wenger’s new contract seems unlikely to break the cycle at Arsenal

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