Sumin’s Stance: Good Bye Wenger

Sumin Kim, Columnist

It has been about three months since I wrote that Arsene Wenger should resign. On April 20, Arsenal officially announced that Wenger is going to step down after the 2017-2018 season. I definitely agree because Arsenal has been performing poorly and  needs changes, but we can’t forget the achievements which Wenger has made since 1996.

In 1996, when Wenger first came to Arsenal, the media used the phrase “Arsene Who?” because simply no one knew about him. Who knew that he was going to stay 22 years?

Wenger’s tactics, also known as “Wenger Ball,” brought a fresh breeze to traditional English football which was “kick-and-rush.” Wenger Ball emphasized the systematic passes and movements in the attacking third. Some say these tactics are too perfect, making it hard to execute in game, which was one major reasons for the downfall of Arsenal. But Wenger’s tactics made a name for Arsenal and himself.

His heyday was the 2003-2004 season when Arsenal went undefeated and won the Premier League. This record still lasts with Arsenal being the only team who won the league undefeated. Unfortunately, Wenger has been held back by Arsenal’s financial problem caused by construction of  Emirates stadium. Since then, Arsenal never held the league title again.

Wenger finally decided to step down after 22 years at Arsenal full of criticism and respect. We cannot forget Wenger’s remarkable achievements he made in the history of Arsenal and football.