Arsenal latest news: Gunners boss Arsene Wenger insists he did not know about the 800 milestone
IT was one of the most important dates on Arsene Wenger’s calendar — and typically, he claimed he never saw it.
This was the Frenchman’s 800th Premier League clash as Arsenal boss.
They even had a huge cake in the Emirates media lounge to celebrate the occasion.
But Wenger insisted he knew nothing of his magnificent milestone until he saw it on the telly just before kick-off.
Not that his big day will live long in the memory as a second-half comeback earned his team another scrappy home win.
He said afterwards: “I didn’t know it was my 800th game.
“I saw it on the television before the game walking out because I watched Man United against Tottenham and then Sky Sports News, and it was written on the screen that it was my 800th game. That was the first time I saw it.
“I don’t know where all these games have gone because you go to the next one and the next one.”
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But Wenger, who took over on October 1, 1996, almost ruled out staying in charge for 1,000 top-flight matches.
He said: “For me it would be difficult. I need 200 more and that’s five years you know.
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“You know one thing about having such a long experience is it makes you humble unless you are completely stupid.
“And I refuse to be completely stupid so you never know how long you go.”
The notion of Wenger still being boss in two years will send a shudder down the spine of many Gooners who saw them scrape their tenth successive League win at home against Swansea.
Sam Clucas’ 22nd-minute finish gave the Swans a half-time lead — and it would have been greater had Jordan Ayew not fluffed a great chance.
But Sead Kolasinac levelled with a powerful, if slightly deflected shot, on 51 minutes.
And then the Bosnian, signed from Schalke for nowt in the summer, crossed for Aaron Ramsey to fire in.
Arsenal are fifth in table ahead of two crunch fixtures away to Manchester City on Sunday before Tottenham at home in the North London derby the week after.
Wenger said: “Yes but let’s just focus on the next one first — and the next one is pretty great, we can prepare for City.
“It is a big game and a challenging one. We are on a strong run but it’s another good opportunity for us to show we have quality.
“People have City as champions already but that’s normal because at the moment they are on a good run.”
And injecting some sarcastic humour he added: “And people extend always these good runs to the end of the season…
“At some stage, though, they have to be stopped.”
Wenger was not the only one who forgot it was his 800th Prem game.
Swansea boss Paul Clement said: “I actually forgot to say congratulations to him before the match.
“I think it is an amazing achievement.
I have a lot of respect for him and this club for his longevity at this level, for his determination and perseverance in difficult times.
“The club know they have a very good coach and they stick by him through thick and thin, no matter the pressures external to the team and the board.”
At Chelsea, Real Madrid and others, Clement has previously worked at clubs where they change managers as often as their kits.
He added: “It’s not a guarantee for success as some have had success changing managers. Chelsea and Real Madrid have done it that way and have continued to be successful.
“Some others have been fantastically successful by having longevity, Manchester United are one and Arsenal is another.
“Arsene continues to win major trophies. I know the club are frustrated they are not up there winning the Premier League but it is a lot more competitive now.
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“There used to be two or three teams that had a realistic chance, now there are four or five.
“He might be 68 but Bayern Munich have just turned to a 72-year-old to steady the ship and give them that calm and experience and he has won every game.
“So I don’t think age is relevant, if you are fit and well and can draw on that experience it can only be a good thing.
“Do I fancy getting to 800 games myself? It would be fantastic. It’s a big objective to have longevity at this level.”
