Arsene Wenger rejects criticism from Arsenal fans

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Arsenal fans at The HawthornsImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Arsenal fans display their frustration at Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is not concerned by criticism from a section of the club's supporters.

The Gunners ended a run of nine years without a trophy by winning the FA Cup in May but have not won the league since 2004 and are currently sixth.

During the 1-0 win over West Brom, fans raised a banner urging Wenger to quit.

"We live in a society of total opinion but we live off not what we say but what we do - and what we do is on the pitch," said the Frenchman, 65.

Recent Arsenal Premier League finishes

Season

Position

Points behind champions

2013-14

4th

7

2012-13

4th

16

2011-12

3rd

19

2010-11

4th

12

2009-10

3rd

11

Wenger is the longest serving manager in the Premier League, having joined Arsenal in 1996.

Media caption,

Danny Welbeck is outstanding - Arsene Wenger

He signed a new three-year contract in May and has guided the club beyond the group stages of the Champions League for 15 consecutive seasons.

Nevertheless, some fans have become disgruntled at the club's failure to challenge for major honours.

At the Hawthorns, where Danny Welbeck scored the winner, some Gunners fans unveiled a banner that read: "Arsene, thanks for the memories but it's time to say goodbye."

Asked about it, Wenger said: "I don't comment on that. Do I need to say it again? I don't comment on your question."

Danny Murphy on BBC Match of the Day

"Today showed Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud can play in the same team. Welbeck started on the left and didn't throw his toys out, he worked as hard as anybody, he did not stop making runs.

"They mixed up their positions really well and in the second half it was Welbeck who made the difference. He wants to get himself a goal and what a leap it was. Desire and application is undeniable. The quality, which some people question, was there as well."

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