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Arsene Wenger calls time after losing to Newcastle and bookies make Rafa Benitez one of 5 favourites to replace him

6 years ago
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Arsene Wenger has finally made the big announcement.

The Arsenal fans have now got what they wanted, the manager announcing his resignation at the end of this season.

Despite Arsene Wenger delivering three FA Cup wins in the last four years, the Arsenal supporters have continued to campaign against him, the last home match seeing the Emirates almost half empty.

This to a background of only Manchester City having a better Premier League home record this season. A League Cup final and currently only one step away from the Europa League final, haven’t quelled the unrest.

Ironic though that Arsene Wenger has taken the decision after losing at Newcastle last Sunday.

Maybe it was the shock of that 2-1 defeat…as Arsenal had lost only one of the previous 22 matches against Newcastle and had actually won 10 in a row leading up to last weekend.

Needless to say, neutrals are now desperate to see things really implode at the Emirates, to teach the graceless Arsenal fans a major lesson after their embarrassing behaviour.

The bookies have instantly put up the early betting for a replacement (see all the odds below) and Rafa Benitez finds himself fifth favourite at 16/1.

Early favourite is out of work Thomas Tuchel at 2/1, sacked by Borussia Dortmund in May 2017 despite a 63% match winning record at the club.

A number of former playing heroes also feature, with Patrick Vieira at 5/1, Thierry Henry 16/1, and Dennis Bergkamp 33/1.

I think that kind of scenario could be ideal, Arsenal fans watching things really go downhill and then giving an idol the kind of abuse they gave Arsene Wenger.

Of course Alan Pardew at 66/1 would be the real dream choice!

Official Arsenal press release via their official website:

Arsene Wenger has issued the following statement:

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season.

“I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.

“I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

“I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.

“I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.

“To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.

“My love and support for ever.

Arsene Wenger

Followed by…

Stan Kroenke:

Majority owner Stan Kroenke said: “This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport. One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.

“Arsene has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude. Three Premier League titles, including an entire season unbeaten, seven FA Cup triumphs and 20 successive years in the Champions League is an exceptional record. He has also transformed the identity of our club and of English football with his vision for how the game can be played.

“We have high ambitions to build on Arsène’s remarkable tenure and to honour his vision by ensuring that Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game.

“We must now focus on making a strong finish to the season and ask our millions of fans around the world to join us in paying appropriate tribute to one of the greats of Arsenal’s history and one of the greats of the game.”

Arsene will lead the team to the end of the season and we will make an appointment as soon as possible. The club will not be making any further comment on the selection process until an appointment is made.

Betting  on who will be the next Arsenal permanent manager:

2/1 Thomas Tuchel

5/1 Carlo Ancellotti

5/1 Patrick Vieira

8/1 Joachim Low

16/1 Rafa Benitez

16/1 Thierry Henry

16/1 Brendan Rodgers

Selected interesting others:

33/1 Dennis Bergkamp

40/1 Zinedine Zidane

66/1 Alan Pardew

66/1 Sam Allardyce

66/1 Claudio Ranieri

View all the BetVictor odds on next permanent Arsenal manager HERE

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