Wenger would be sacked if he was a new boss – Keown
Arsene Wenger wouldn’t have made it to Thursday night’s Europa League triumph over AC Milan had he taken over at the start of the season.
Gunners legend Martin Keown believes the Frenchman would have been sacked prior to Arsenal’s 2-1 win in Italy as a result of Arsenal’s poor performances over the season.
Keown wrote in his Mail column: ‘If he was a new manager who had taken over the club at the start of the season, he would have been sacked.
What has struck me in the last few weeks is that every compartment of the team has been found wanting.’
Keown also hinted at Wenger’s soft attitude when it comes to managing.
Shkodran Mustafi celebrates an Arsenal goal at the San Siro
He added: ‘Before one game, I remember George Graham saying to me: ‘I’m blaming you if this goes wrong.’ He told me he wanted to see me winning headers, tackles – and that I needed to get into my team-mates’ ears to make sure we won.
‘As a result I took the pitch like a warrior. I knew I was going to perform for him.
‘This has to be a case of ‘no more Mr Nice Guy’ for Wenger. He has to get into the ears of his players.’
Wenger organised his side’s crucial away first-leg victory over high-flying Milan. The Gunners now have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.