Wenger: My word is my bond

Arsenal 1 West Brom 0

Both Wenger and Baggies coach Pepe Mel have endured intense speculation over the likelihood of them remaining in the Premier League for the start of next season, but both will still be around at their respective clubs if the mood of the club’s supporters is anything to go by.

Wenger was accorded a standing ovation as the Arsenal squad conducted an end-of-season lap of honour to a happy packed house, unlike the thousands who left early in disgruntled droves the year before.

He has steered Arsenal to an 18th successive year of Champions League football and has an FA Cup final with Hull to look forward to. His €8.5m-a-year contract will be signed soon after that Wembley date on May 17, though he insists his word is as good as his signature.

And Spaniard Mel, a seemingly desperate January appointment in a bid to save West Brom from the calamity of relegation from the Premier League, has done his job too.

It needed Norwich’s failure to win at Chelsea to secure West Brom’s survival yesterday and they did not play like a team desperate to stay up, but stay up they will.

Oft derided outside the Hawthorns, he took seven games to get his first win, Mel showed he has support within the club as the sold out section of West Brom fans waved Spanish flags bearing his name throughout the match, and particularly at the end.

Mel revealed afterwards he will have a meeting to decide his future after next Sunday’s final game of the season against Stoke, as his 18-month contract has a break clause, and he could yet go.

But he would clearly like to stay while he has the fans behind him: “After the Stoke City match we will have a meeting and then we will decide whether or not I’ll be at West Brom next season.

“What we’re aiming to do is keep West Brom in the Premier League, and I can tell you now I would be extremely happy to be at West Brom next season. The supporters are the best in the league and very, very kind to me. I want to stay with them.”

Wenger also wants to stay, insisting his inability to sign the new contract that has been sitting in his desk since the end of last year has nothing to do with Arsenal’s forthcoming FA Cup final, though he did admit a top four finish was crucial in his thinking.

Asked if that was a farewell home game, Wenger joked with reporters: “No, don’t be impatient. My last time will come! You will get rid of me one day, don’t worry.

“Yes [I will be here next season]. I don’t know [when I will sign a new deal]. I told you many times that my word is my word. I am from a period where you did not need a pen to commit.

“Look at me! You will see me again. It is not linked [with the FA Cup final] at all. It was important to be in the Champions League, that is for sure. I have told you many times it is linked with the fact I wanted to feel I am useful.

“I do not have moments of doubt. If I did, it would have been a few years ago when I had to say no to many offers and I committed to this club.”

Wenger went on to lament missed opportunities this season after Arsenal topped the Premier League table for 128 days, only to end up hanging on for fourth. He pointed to injuries, bizarre away defeats and a lack of goalscoring power. That seemed even more pointed a comment on the day when QPR’s French striker Loic Remy was in the stands to witness fellow countryman Giroud score his 22nd goal of the season having shouldered virtually all of the team’s striking responsibilities.

Remy could yet sign, but Wenger insisted his presence should not be taken for a definite signal. He claimed: “Honestly I have just been informed that Loic Remy was here, I didn’t know. So don’t see any sign of us signing Loic Remy in that. I hope he has paid for his ticket!”

If he did pay he will be left wondering if he got value for money. Aside from Giroud’s goal, Arsenal forced only one meaningful save from Ben Foster. And Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny had one of his easiest ever pay days.

Mel, pacing his technical area like a wounded animal seeking help, was the only member of the visiting club visibly showing any anxiety or desire to upset Arsenal’s rhythm.

ARSENAL: Szczesny 6, Sagna 6, Mertesacker 6, Koscielny 6, Monreal 6 (Vermaelen 80, 6) Flamini 7, Arteta 6 (Kallstrom 63, 6), Cazorla 6 (Rosicky 68,6) Ozil 7, Podolski 6, Giroud 7.

Subs: Fabianski, Sanogo, Diaby, Jenkinson.

WEST BROM: Foster 7, Dawson 6, Lugano 5, Olsson 6, Brunt 6, Amalfitano 6(Anichebe 80, 6), Mulumbu 6, Dorrans 6, Morrison 5, Sessegnon 5, Berahino 6.

Subs: Yacob, Sinclair, Myhill, Vydra, McAuley, O’Neil.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire).