On Monday 26th December, the former legendary manager, Arsene Wenger, returned to the Emirates after 2018 to watch Arsenal take on West Ham as they returned to Premier League action.
This was his first visit to the stadium since he bid farewell to the Arsenal fans on his last day as a manager in a 5-0 victory over Burnley on the 6th of May,2018.
The Gunners made a comeback from 1-0 down at half-time to win the match 3-1 and extend their lead at the top of the league table to 7 points. Wenger watched the game from the directors’ box and enjoyed a great win on Boxing Day.
He was the club’s longest-serving manager with 22 years under his belt. It was a surprise visit from Arsene as both the fans as well as the players were unaware of his presence.
Arsenal had a rather disappointing first half as they were 1-0 down to West Ham after Said Benrahma’s spot kick. However they turned it up in the second half as goals from both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli put them up by 2-1 in the 60th minute following which the stadium began singing a chant that was very familiar to the ex-boss, Arsene Wenger.
What chant were the Arsenal fans singing?
The chant was one that they had been singing for so many years before the former manager dropped out of his role. It was, ‘There’s only one Arsene Wenger, one Arsene Wenger!’. The chant gave flashbacks to all the glorious times at the Emirates when he was in charge. It gave a reminder of all the wonderful triumphs and trophies they won under him.
The 73-year-old Frenchman gave a smile and waved back at the fans as he heard the chant and enjoyed Arsenal’s victory on Boxing Day. Managers like Unai Emery and now Mikel Arteta succeeded Wenger but no one can touch his legacy and the impact he had at the club.
After the match, Mikel Arteta who played under Wenger previously said in his post-match interview, “Hopefully walking through the building he’s going to feel everything that he left here as well. His presence is something that has to be very, very attached to this football club so thanks for doing that because it means a lot for everybody at the club.”
Will Wenger be seen at the Emirates again soon?
While fans and the players along with the manager Mikel Arteta were delighted to have him at the stadium, it is uncertain how often he will be seen attending the games. It all depends on the timing and comfort he feels at returning to the club as said previously.
Bukayo Saka said earlier this month, “ One of my biggest regrets or things I haven’t been able to do is meet Arsene Wenger. I know how much my Dad loves him, how much everyone at the club loves him and I know what he has done for the club, of course.” Post the match he was finally able to meet him.
It will be seen in the near future if Wenger would now be a more active part of Arsenal attending more matches and whether this chant would be heard again soon.
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