Arteta: We never lost faith in Wenger despite poor form

22 Mar 2012 22:39:00

The Spaniard believes criticism of the Frenchman is uncalled for and that no one has lost faith with the boss, insisting his 15 years at the club speaks volumes

Mikel Arteta has insisted that the entire Arsenal squad kept faith in Arsene Wenger during their early-season wobble.

The Gunners lost four of their opening seven Premier League games, shipping eight against Manchester United in the process before being knocked out of both the Champions League and FA Cup within the same week in February.

But Wenger's men have come out fighting once more, winning their last six league games, resulting in Arsenal leapfrogging rivals Tottenham into a season-high third place

Arteta, one of the manager’s deadline-day arrivals in the summer, has vouched for his manager and denied reports that the players wanted him to quit.

The former Everton midfielder told Sky Sports: "He has been here for 15 years and he has respect from all the players, staff and everybody at the club.

"I think it is not easy for him to leave."

Arsenal have been often criticised for their lack of silverware in recent years, their last trophy coming in the form of the 2005 FA Cup.

However, they have reached the final of the Champions League and League Cup since and Arteta believes the criticism is unfair, adding: "When you are not winning at a club like Arsenal, obviously you are going to get criticism.

"But the way is, how you respond. I think Arsenal have been unlucky in the last few years, getting to finals and not winning due to small details.

"Afterwards, it is easy to blame. What happens if Manchester United do not win the title? It is going to be a disaster for Manchester United."

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