Arsene Wenger urges his players on
Arsene Wenger has come in for severe criticism lately Getty Images

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp thinks some Arsenal fans would be happy to miss out on the top four if it meant Arsene Wenger was sacked. The Gunners boss has come under huge pressure in recent weeks and Redknapp does not think Champions League qualification will be enough to placate the Emirates faithful.

Arsenal coasted to a one-sided 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium last night (21 April), strengthening their hopes of finishing the season inside the top four. But Redknapp thinks a section of fans are tired of seeing their team falling short of winning silverware.

"It's a big result, but it papers over the cracks," Redknapp said on Sky Sports after Arsenal's comprehensive win. "Arsenal shouldn't be in a position where they are scrambling to get into the top four. It's not good enough. The fans won't be happy.

"They will be thinking: 'If we get in the top four it's going to be the same old story.' If they don't get in the top four it could force change. That is what some fans would rather see."

Redknapp thinks Wenger has failed to address some of Arsenal's long-standing problems, and he can understand the frustration of Gunners fans, especially as their north London rivals Spurs are competing to win the Premier League.

"I've always been a Wenger fan but you always see the same problems year in, year out. Seeing Tottenham and Leicester above them won't wash with a lot of fans," Redknapp said of the current situation at Arsenal.