Arsene Wenger splits opinion amongst Arsenal supporters these days, but there’s no denying the exceptional job that he has done for the most part.
The French tactician may not have delivered the number of trophies, and particularly Premier League titles, that fans would have wanted to see, but his sustained impact in the 20 years that he has now been in charge shows just how great a job he has done.
Prior to his arrival in 1996, the previous 20 years saw the Gunners win two titles under various managers, and finish in the top four on just seven occasions, six of those coming with a fourth-place finish.
After Wenger arrived and revolutionised the club with a new culture and style of play, he has led Arsenal to three Premier League titles, six second-place finishes, five third-place finishes and six fourth-place finishes.
The 66-year-old has never finished outside of the top four during his tenure, and while his critics will continue to emphasis the fact that he should have won more, that is still an incredible achievement to be so stable and consistent over a prolonged period of time.
12 years without a title is a long time and Wenger has certainly been too stubborn at times and is risking overstaying his welcome, but perhaps this graphic will reiterate what he has done for Arsenal and will likely continue to do this year.
If this is to be his last season in charge at the Emirates, perhaps his influence and importance to the club will be felt and appreciated by his detractors again after he leaves. However, it would certainly help get everyone back on side if he could end the wait for another title.
