Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Arsene Wenger celebrated Arsenal’s progress to the last 16 of the Champions League soccer by taking a swipe at the critics inside and outside the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger found himself under siege in the run up to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund as a section of Arsenal’s fan base called for his sacking, while Alisher Usmanov, the club’s second largest shareholder, went public with some stinging criticism of the Gunners manager.

Wenger’s club have endured their worst start to a domestic campaign for 30 years and another loss against Dortmund would have jeopardised Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying from Group D and further increased the heat on the Frenchman.

But Wenger was able to silence the doubters as Yaya Sanogo’s first goal for the club was followed by a sublime Alexis Sanchez strike in a dominant 2-0 victory that ensured Arsenal will play in the knock-out stages of Europe’s elite club competition for the 15th successive season.

With a crucial victory in the bag, Wenger took the opportunity to underline his belief in his players and his lack of respect for those who question his methods. — AFP