Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reiterated his commitment to the club after their 2-1 Premier League victory over Norwich City.
Speaking after the match at Carrow Road on Saturday, Wenger clarified comments made in French publication L’Equipe Magazine regarding his future in north London.
“The only way I would consider my future is if I don’t deliver what’s expected,” he said.
“If you love a club and don’t deliver, then you have to consider your future.”
“I will always maintain that I am committed to the club and will always respect my contract. Unless I feel I am not good enough I will stay and that will always be the case.”
“My commitment to my contract is not in question – I have shown that in the past and will do so again in the future. This is the club of my life.”
Wenger dismissed suggestions that a top-four finish would qualify as what is expected at the club this season.
“It is not as simple as saying we must get in the top four – we want to get the maximum from the team,” he said.
“I expect to play football that makes the club proud and that makes people come and watch us, and to finish as close as possible to the top of the table.”
Once again, Robin van Persie played an integral part in the Arsenal victory. The Gunners’ captain scored two goals to take his tally to 10 in five, and Wenger admitted he was keen to extend the Dutchman’s contract.
“My dream is that van Persie stays and I will do the maximum to convince him to do so,” he said. “I hope I will manage to do that.”
“There are some competitors but he’s one of the best [strikers in the world]. He’s exceptional and has something you cannot give to people.”
Lambert was similarly full of praise for van Persie, labeling the Dutchman one of the best forwards in the world.
“They’re a top side and have been in the Champions League for many a year,” he said. “They have some world class players, no doubt, and one of the best strikers around.”
“He’s scoring for fun and his touch and general play is top drawer.”
Van Persie’s brace cancelled out Steve Morison’s opener and Lambert was pleased to see his team fight for a result until the final whistle.
“They’re a very good side,” Lambert said.
“We were always in the game but you’re never going to keep them out for 90 minutes. You’re never going to have the ball for 90 minutes.”
“We tried to get a foothold in the game and stay in it as long as we could [in the second half]. But Arsenal came out strong and got the goal that gave them the lead.”
“But give the lads credit – we were in the game until the last minute. We’ve always had a foothold, we’ve never been out of the game, and that’s the pleasing thing if you’re up against a side like them.”
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