• Premier League

Wenger hits out at 'no trophies' jibes

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 24, 2010
Arsenal fans have had a long wait for silverware
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Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's move to Emirates Stadium has played a part in their lack of trophies in the past five seasons - but maintains his young Gunners have not stood still since leaving Highbury.

The Arsenal board have always backed Wenger in the transfer market, with £50 million reportedly at the manager's disposal should he want it. However, Wenger has long instead opted for developing world-class talent, such as captain Cesc Fabregas, instead of simply buying it in.

That policy, though, has so far failed to deliver silverware since the 2005 FA Cup, with the last league title being the unbeaten campaign of 2003-04. The Gunners boss, however, insists there has been plenty of progress on the field as well as off it.

''I believe it is never easy to move to a new stadium. The first plan for us was to stay at the top level of competition and we managed that,'' said Wenger. ''I believe it is a bit simplistic as well to say that we have no trophies, like the club has not existed in the last five years.

''If you look at the index of UEFA, we are in the top eight seeded clubs. We have been in the Champions League semi-final and final during that period and we have always managed to play at the top.

''We have been fighting for championships and didn't win them, for sure, but it is not easy to move to a new stadium. If you look at the other teams that have done that and where they are, you realise that is not easy.''

Elsewhere, Arsenal have announced record pre-tax profits of £56 million and that they have paid off all the debt on their Highbury Square development.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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