• Premier League

Wenger backed by Arsenal fans

ESPN staff
June 22, 2013
Arsene Wenger has escaped harsh criticism from Arsenal supporters © Getty Images
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Manager Arsene Wenger has escaped major criticism in the annual Arsenal Supporters' Trust survey, but club owner Stan Kroenke had no such luck, lambasted by Gunners fans for his handling of the club.

Wenger was forced to accept criticism as Arsenal's hopes of ending their eight-year wait for a major trophy ended in double quick time, yet the Gunners faithful are still convinced Wenger deserves another season in his bid to bring back the glory days to the club.

Some 71% of fans questioned were supportive of Wenger continuing as manager, but there was less support to the idea of handing the veteran Gunners boss a fresh contract before the end of next season.

Even though Wenger has just one year left at the Emirates and is being strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain next summer, 75% of fans believe the club should wait to see how the team performs next season before deciding on the manager's future.

Supporters were highly critical of the 'socialist wage structure' Wenger is keen to promote, with 73% calling for the financial set-up to be ripped up, while 69% believed Wenger had 'too much power' at the club.

If Wenger can claim he has been given a vote of confidence by Arsenal supporters, reclusive majority shareholder Kroenke was given desperately low approval ratings in all categories of the survey, with 60% declaring themselves dissatisfied with Kroenke's contribution to the club and 91% criticising lack of communication with Arsenal supporters.

And a massive 94% suggested the American businessman had failed to explain his vision for the club's future.

Intriguingly, despite the continued support for boss Wenger, 61% of fans declared themselves dissatisfied with Arsenal's progress in recent years.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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