Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is attending his first match at Gunner’s home ground, the Emirates Stadium, since ending his 22 years stint at the club in May 2018.
As he was shown on the big screen applauding Gabriel Martinelli’s goal against West Ham, Arsenal fans started singing the familiar chant, “there’s one Arsene Wenger” as a tribute to the former manager.
Wenger currently serves as FIFA’s head of football development.
Watch the touching moment here:
Arsenal ended the first half against West Ham one goal down. But they came back in the second half, first through Bukayo Saka in the 53rd minute, followed by Gabriel Martinelli in the 58th, and then Eddie Nketiah again in the 69th.
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No wonder, Arsenal fans followed the “One Arsene Wenger” chant with “Super Mik Arteta”, dedicated to current manager Mikel Arteta. The 40-year-old former Arsenal player turned manager has got the North London side pulling punches in the league again – perhaps the first time since Wenger ended his 22-year-stint.
The Gunners are currently sitting on top of the league table, with 40 points from 15 matches. Although they have played one match less than Manchester City, the previous season’s winner, they are now a good eight points clear of them.
The shining star of today’s win, however, would be Eddie Nketiah. Having come in as a replacement for first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus, there was a lot of weight on his shoulder to perform. After a lackluster first half, he switched gears and fired home the third goal, dismissing all doubts Arsenal fans had about him.
A lot of the Premier League is still left and the Gunners have a long way to go, but to start with a win after the World Cup break will sure dispel the initial doubts on whether their initial form is still intact, especially with Jesus missing.
