As if the Atletico Madrid defeat wasn’t dispiriting enough, it sounds like Arsenal are planning to mark Arsene Wenger’s final home match in charge of the club in the most unnecessarily forlorn manner imaginable.
The Gunners are due to play Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday and, according to Jeremy Wilson in the Telegraph, the goodbyes will be subdued at Wenger’s behest.
However, that didn’t stop Wilson from revealing the detail with what must surely be the most despondent paragraph ever written during the departing Frenchman’s 22-year tenure:
Fans will all receive red and white T-shirts with the words ‘Merci Arsene’ on them but, in accordance with the manager’s wishes, there will not be much fanfare ahead of kick-off and what is a significant match in ensuring that Arsenal do finish above Burnley to avoid the July Europa League qualifying rounds.
Good grief. Mighty, fallen, etc, etc.
As parting words go, condensing a two-decade legacy down into the express need to finish above Burnley to avoid playing FK Narnuschk Luminoil Petrogrebnyak in July is about as sullen as it gets.
In fairness, Wilson does also mention that there will be a “special” post-match presentation which will feature a guard of honour from both Arsenal and Burnley, regardless of who lands that prestigious Europa League berth.
At least put on a buffet or something.