Arsene Wenger mustn’t become the hero who wouldn’t go

APATHY is a greater enemy in football management than jealousy, anger or even Machiavellian intent; and Arsene Wenger seems to have a reached a sad impasse at Arsenal, as his season heads towards a frustrating but predictable conclusion.

A conclusion which today has even the pro-Wenger crowd starting to ask: Is this the right time for him to step aside, and protect his legacy?

There was a scattering of boos after Sunday’s draw against Crystal Palace which ended Arsenal’s title hopes for another season and put their chances of finishing above Tottenham — and even of qualifying for the Champions League — at risk. But the overwhelming sensation in the stands and in the press box was not of anger or disgust but of tired and weary resignation at watching a game they had all seen so many times before.