GEORGE GRAHAM insists under-fire Arsene Wenger will be at Arsenal for YEARS to come.
Arsenal boss Wenger is under more pressure than he has ever encountered in his 16-year reign.
But former manager Graham says the current problems can only be solved by Wenger putting on his “magic hat”.
The man who won league titles with the Gunners in 1989 and 1991 called on Wenger to find the next Thierry Henry or Patrick Vieira — bargains that he moulded into world-beaters.
Graham said: “Arsene’s first period at the club, for seven years it was probably the most attractive and attacking football I’ve ever seen in English football.
“He won three league titles and four FA Cups. He set the standard and unfortunately in the last few seasons the standard is just slowly slipping away.
“Management is about being successful and when you are, you take all the plaudits and the compliments.
“There is a lot of hysterical criticism about Wenger now.
“If you want to stay in the top four, he is the man without question.
“I think Wenger will stay there. He is very powerful at the club and rightly so.
“He will make the decision if he leaves or not. I cannot see him leaving at all.
“He enjoys Arsenal, the power and influence he has got throughout the club. I think Arsene will still be there for a few years yet. I just hope they bring in a better quality of player.”
Wenger’s side crashed out of the Capital One Cup to League Two Bradford last week.
They already look out of the title race but are into the knockout stages of the Champions League. But Graham insists Wenger can regain the backing of the fans and lead Arsenal into a new era.
He added: “Let’s give Arsene the credit. He brought in players for average prices, Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Marc Overmars, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit.
“They were all very good players unknown to the fans in England that he turned into fantastic world-class players. That was his strength.
“He did it on a tight budget so it’s not like they are now going to go out and break the transfer record.
“They have never done it during Arsene’s reign so in my opinion he has got to get his magic hat on again and go out and see if he can get players of that quality at good prices.”
Former Arsenal keeper and goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson hit back at comments from ex-Gunners player Stewart Robson.
Robson described Wenger as “a dictator” for the way he leads at the Emirates and SunSport revealed how his No 2 Steve Bould has been isolated.
But Wilson said: “The claims of Arsene being a dictator, and from a former player in Stewart Robson, really upsets me.
“I believe if Steve Bould is being sidelined, he is wealthy enough, sensible enough and strong enough to resign if unhappy with his role.
“To say Wenger appoints yes men is an insult to all the people who have worked under him — myself included. I always stood up to Arsene.”
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Originally Posted by Cripps
what a sad, bitter ****
Robson whether you like him or not and I don't was spot on. Wenger lovers might not like to hear it but Arsenal lovers agree 100%
