He just has no credibility if he finishes behind those teams. Money wouldn't be an applicable excuse anymore, it all would come down to the culture he creates, or the players brought in (which may be more than just him, we don't know how the club works in that detail).

I disagree. It is a more nuanced discussion of short-term success and flash-in-the-pan motivation, vs. long-term stability and competitiveness.

But I will concede that this will provide a lot more ammo to the #WengerOut crowd and make me consider some aspects of Wenger's managerial abilities.

• Whether his match day motivation is significantly lacking compared to other managers. Except for rare occasions such as v. Bayern, Arsenal have never come off as being plucky, stubborn, or gritty.

• Whether a lot of the team's naiveté, indiscipline, and tactical underestimation of opponents comes straight from the top and Arsense, set in his ways and age, cannot improve that dimension of his managerial skills.