Tottenham star Harry Kane wins Premier League Golden Boot
Internet Desk: English Premier League side Arsenal finished their campaign in fifth position and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. After their failure, coach Arsene Wenger said his “professionalism or commitment” cannot be questioned but his future is uncertain in the club after failing to qualify in the Champions League.
Wenger’s contract with Arsenal ends after this summer and according to the gaffer his future in the club will be decided after the FA Cup final on May 27.
“I believe since January we have played in a very difficult environment for different reasons,” he added.
“Some you know about and that’s very difficult for a group of players to cope with that – and some other reasons we will talk about on another day.
“Psychologically the atmosphere was absolutely horrendous. It has been difficult, yes, and certainly my personal situation has contributed to that but you can never question my professionalism or commitment.”
“I’m a lot more resigned because it’s been coming for a few years and everybody has to focus on the FA Cup,” former Arsenal striker Ian Wright told BBC Radio 5 live.
“This is done, we are in the Europa League, there is nothing we can do about it.”
Wenger, whose side face Premier League champions Chelsea in next week’s FA Cup final, said it was “very sad” Arsenal will not be playing in Europe’s top competition next season.
He added: “We do our job and you are professional and part of the job is being professional when the environment is not positive.”
Some Arsenal fans also voiced their frustration at majority owner Stan Kroenke.
“I think you respect everyone in life and I respect Stan Kroenke a lot,” said Wenger. “It is not his fault we didn’t reach the Champions League tonight, it is the technical department’s responsibility for that.
“A club works when everybody does their job and we live in a society where everybody has an opinion and what moves society forward is when we work and not talk too much.”
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had a sometimes bitter rivalry with Wenger during his Old Trafford reign, winning 13 Premier League titles with the Red Devils.
Scot Ferguson was in charge for 26 years, while Frenchman Wenger is in his 21st year at the north London club.
“At the moment, of course, with the ridiculous situation of the pressure Arsene is under, I just wonder if they realise the job he’s done,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.
“The most amazing thing about him is this: he has come through a forest of criticism for months now, and has never bowed. He has seen it right through, he has shown a determination, a stubbornness. I think when you look at that, it’s a quality, and I’m not sure they’ll ever get another manager like that.
“It’s quite easy to say ‘Get rid of him’, but who do you get? Who do you get in to keep that club the way they are for the next 20 years?
“I really feel sorry for him because I think he’s shown outstanding qualities, and I think he has handled the whole situation. I don’t know many that have done that.”
On the other hand, England international and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has won Premier League Golden Boot award for this season after scoring 29 goals.
Kane scored a hat-trick on the last of the season as Spurs thumped Hull City 7-1 to finish eight points clear of Manchester City in third place.
The England international netted four times during the week in a 6-1 win at Leicester City to put himself in pole position heading into the final weekend to retain the top scorer’s award.
Despite missing two periods earlier this term with an ankle injury, Kane enjoyed a prolific season as his understanding with Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son flourished.
Spurs finish the season with the most goals scored and the least conceded and will surely be targetting the league title next season.
Kane heaped praise on his teammates after Sunday’s match saying: “To score eight goals in the last week of the season is special. Couldn’t do it without my team-mates.”
Tottenham are due to play an end of season friendly in Hong Kong to boost their profile in Asia. They will also play their home matches in Wembley next year as the redevelopment of White Hart Lane continues.