Arsenal have boosted their slim Champions League hopes.
On Tuesday night, against all odds, they defeated Bayern Munich 2-0.
It is not as if Arsene Wenger’s men are hot favourites for the Holy Grail, but their annual excursion to Europe’s biggest club competition, would have been over if not for Petr Cech’s brilliance.
Usually, they would linger around until February, when the contenders are sifted from the pretenders.
It would have been different this season, after puzzling defeats to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos.
Arsenal need to repeat that stunning performance against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Allianz Arena, if they are to avoid a group-stage exit for the first time in 16 years.
Before Tuesday, the Bundesliga champions had won all their nine league matches, scoring 29 times and conceding just four goals.
They might yet put a spanner in the works in the return leg. And Wenger might have to wait one more season, before a proper shot at the Champions League – which he has never won in charge of the Gunners.
It might also be his last season in charge of the North London club, as he hinted last week.
Speaking at the annual general meeting, Wenger said: “I am resolute to commit absolutely until the last day of my contract to bring back big success to this club, and leave as well one day in a position where it can do even better when I leave.
“That is for me very important that I leave the club in the shape that the guy who comes after me can do better.
“The responsibility on my shoulders is much bigger. I know what it means for people. I know how sad people are when we don’t do well, I know how sad people are when we lose a game.”
As ambiguous as his words were, there were mixed reactions on social media. Some were glad the manager might finally be leaving and called for Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone. Others were genuinely concerned about what the club will look like without Wenger.
That should worry all Gooners.
Wenger, who turns 66 this week, is obviously reaching the end of his tenure at Arsenal. But he might yet sign one more deal, to take him to his 70th birthday.
But Arsenal fans must dread the day he leaves. The Frenchman has been responsible for success, wonderful teams, sparkling football, legendary players, Doubles and the Invincibles.
He has given his life, his career, his energy to building the club for 19 years.
Wenger is constantly abused and ridiculed when it goes wrong. And you suspect that he will only be truly respected when he steps down. Ask Manchester United fans.
If Arsenal are eventually dumped out of the Champions League, there will be a few dissenting voices, making their grievances known with the #WengerOut hashtag.
“I accept you have to be over-critical when the performances are not good, but look at number of games Arsenal played in Champions League before I arrived and look after, and come back to me,” Wenger said at the AGM last week.
This might only make sense to some Gooners, when he’s not in the dugout sometime in the near future.
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