‘You don’t find a replacement for Arsene Wenger. You find a new path forward’

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis presided over a packed press conference to discuss the end of Arsene Wenger’s 22-year managerial reign, making it feel more like a funeral, but without discussing what part he or the Arsenal board played in killing off the French coach.

Wenger signed a two-year deal after winning a record seventh FA Cup last summer. He has proudly never reneged on a contract despite facing vehement opposition from inside the club and a restless fan base in recent years.

With Wenger’s side sliding increasingly and rapidly off the pace as title contenders in recent seasons, it is not a shock that a parting of the ways has been agreed.