Gunners fans hold fire on Wenger

ARSENAL Supporters’ Trust have expressed their “considerable disappointment” over the Gunners’ recent results, but will reserve final judgment on Arsene Wenger’s young squad until the end of the season when they will continue holding the club to account — both on and off the pitch.

Heading into March, Arsenal were very much in the hunt for all four trophies. However, six weeks later, and things are very different.

The shock last-minute Carling Cup final defeat at Wembley was swiftly followed by their exit from the Champions League in Barcelona before Arsenal then lost their FA Cup quarter-final away to Manchester United.

Saturday’s frustrating goalless draw against 10-man Blackburn saw the Gunners drop seven points behind United, albeit with a game in hand ahead of their May 1 showdown at Emirates Stadium.

The disappointment of another season which promised so much looking set to now perhaps deliver nothing for the sixth season in a row prompted angry reaction from some of the Gunners supporters, becoming disillusioned by Wenger’s continued faith in youth.

Indeed, the Arsenal manager himself seemed to publicly question that belief in his post-match interviews after what he described as a “flat” performance against Rovers.

The AST are viewed as the custodians of the club’s traditions, representing the views of small minority shareholders, making their concerns directly to the Arsenal board and they are about to conduct their members’ survey. While there is no suggestion of a fans’ revolt, it is clear continually playing second fiddle to the likes of United and Chelsea is a difficult sell.

A statement from AST read: “The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust was formed to increase supporters’ influence in how Arsenal is run and we regularly represent the views of our members to the Arsenal board and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

“There is of course considerable disappointment amongst fans at recent results in the cup competitions and the long period Arsenal has gone without winning a trophy.

“The AST continually holds the club to account and have formal structures in place for reviewing the progress made every season.

“When we have gathered the views of all of our members we will present them to the board and meet with Ivan Gazidis for more detailed discussion.”

Wenger continues to stress his players must focus on returning to winning ways after three draws than be distracted by jeers which greeted them as they walked off against Rovers.

On Sunday Arsenal face a fast-fading Blackpool, themselves in search of a first league win since February 23.