Arsene Wenger departs Arsenal after more than 20 years as manager
By Roy Emanuel
Arsenal will have a new manager for the first time in a long time.
Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez have won four consecutive Premier League matches, with their most recent victory a 2-1 triumph against Arsenal. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has been a key figure in North London for more than two decades, but has decided that 2017-18 will be his last leading the club.
Arsenal announced on Friday that Wenger will be stepping down from his position upon the conclusion of the term, ending one of the finest managerial runs in Premier League history. Arriving in 1996, the 68-year-old revolutionised English football forever with his leadership, knowledge, scouting and tactics in preparation.
For Newcastle fans, there will always be memories of facing Wenger’s sides throughout the past. The 4-4 draw in 2011 will certainly stand out for many Toon fans, as Newcastle and Arsenal battled in many important games over the years.
Unforgettable.
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 15, 2018
They meet again later... #NEWARS pic.twitter.com/Urfgk5Qz6g
Wenger captured three Premier League titles and lifted seven FA Cups with the Gunners, and consistently led the team to UEFA Champions League qualification.
His focus on nutrition and training in the 1990s changed the way in which players approached the game, at a time when those aspects were not necessarily the top priority.
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An entire generation of fans have known only Wenger as Arsenal’s manager, and the next chapter for this club will be fascinating.
Rafa on Arsène Wenger: “I have been talking well about him for a while. To do things in the way that he has done and win the way he was winning, for so many years… we are talking about one of the best managers in football history." #NUFC pic.twitter.com/1g4xNP9lNB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 20, 2018
Into the unknown
Just as Manchester United struggled after Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager, the Gunners could be set for difficulties ahead.
The next boss will have a legendary legacy to live up to, which is no easy task. Names such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have been mentioned as possible successors, but it will be interesting to see who is selected.
Rafa Benitez has been discussed as a possibility as well, a decision that would leave the Toon Army devastated. At this point though, it is all just speculation.
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Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have a few weeks ahead that should bring strong celebrations for a man that helped to transform both English football and North London.