What They Said in 2016/17: Arsenal
Arsenal’s tumultuous season saw them miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years.
Arsene Wenger faced unprecedented levels of criticism for his failure to secure a top-four finish but opted to sign a new two-year contract after clinching the FA Cup against Chelsea.
As we look back at the last 12 months for Arsenal, we’ve picked out some of our favourite quotes from the key moments throughout the campaign.
Arsenal’s campaign got off to yet another terrible start as a depleted Gunners back line was savaged by a ruthless Liverpool side, who scored three goals in 15 minutes to take all three points at the Emirates.
Wenger said: “We lacked experience at the back and we were physically short. Liverpool did well and we were, for 15 minutes, completely shocked. It is an impossible situation to get players back from the Euros and prepare.
The North Londoners recovered and put in their best performance of season, blowing away Chelsea with a first-half blitz against Conte’s blues, which thrilled Wenger.
“It was an outstanding team performance. We played with spirit and collective pace and movement, always in a positive and committed team way,” said the Gunners boss.
“Ideally, you want the perfect game and you never get it. We got nearly the perfect first half and that is not bad.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
At the turn of the year, Arsenal were slightly off the title pace but French forward Olivier Giroud scored a remarkable scorpion kick to help beat Crystal Palace 2-0.
Wenger said: “It was a great counter-attack at great speed. His reflex surprised everybody who knows football and that’s what makes the goal great.
“I have been a bit spoiled over the years by the exceptional quality of the players I’ve had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal.
“Olly is very good in front of goal, but I’ve never seen this kind of goal from him.”
But things turned sour in February with a series of humbling defeats, including a 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
And after a 3-1 defeat at West Brom in late March, protests surrounding Wenger’s future reached boiling point as fans chanted for the Frenchman to leave in the summer.
“Don’t worry, I know what I will do in my future. You will soon know,” Wenger said after defeat at the Hawthorns.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Despite Arsenal winning seven of their last eight matches, it was not enough to make the top four as they lost out to Liverpool by a single point. After the final game of the season, Wenger revealed his sadness at missing out of the Champions League.
Wenger said: “It’s very sad. For 20 years, we were in it and it’s the first year that we will not be in it. It’s very strange because for 75 points, we are only one point short
“Of course you can look everywhere for where we dropped these points, but since January, it’s been a very difficult environment for different reasons.”
But Wenger ensured his side’s season would end on a high as they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley, giving the Frenchman a record seven FA Cup titles.
The triumphant Gunners chief said: “I am very proud because nobody has done it. It’s not easy. I’m especially proud of the way we won this time because we had to play against Manchester City in the semi-final here and then Chelsea here – you cannot get tougher.
“We had two outstanding performances, so this cup was won with special spirit and special attitude.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
And just days later, Wenger confirmed he would be staying at the Emirates for another two years and remained defiant about his side’s Premier League ambitions next season.
“I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement,” proclaimed the 67-year-old.
“We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season.”
