Wenger: Fans have right to boo players

Arsene Wenger acknowledged the right of Arsenal fans to boo following the team’s latest setback, a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Two early goals from Villa striker Darren Bent settled Sunday’s match at the Emirates Stadium, with Robin Van Persie netting a late consolation.

Arsenal’s eighth defeat of the English Premier League season leaves them in danger of finishing fourth, outside the automatic Champions League group stage places.

And the home fans made no secret of their displeasure at another sub-par performance, jeering their team off the pitch and leaving the stadium early in droves.

The mass desertion at the last home game of the season meant Arsenal conducted their lap of honour with the Emirates only half full.

“It was our job to thank the fans and you never have to be embarrassed when you do your job,” Wenger said.

“It was not a tour of glory, of course, but I think, no matter what happens, you have to respect your fans for turning up for the whole season.”

“You have to accept that (some left) and you have to thank those who are still in the stand.”

“What is important is that this club has values and respects those values.”

“We are in a job where you have to please people and if they are not happy, we have to accept that.”

Wenger cast doubt on reports he will spend big in the off season in a bid to shore up a fragile squad, optimistically claiming the Arsenal fans will not keep track of the club’s transfer outlay.

“The fans will not check how much money we spend, they want to win football games,” he said.

“When we don’t, they are not happy and that is completely normal. We will try to strengthen our team, of course, but the best way to keep our fans happy is to win the games.”

“We dropped three points today which could cost us the automatic qualification for the Champions League,” Wenger added.

“That would be a big setback, but we will adapt our preparation in pre-season to it.”

Aston Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister felt the unlikely victory was a just reward for the team’s supporters after a difficult season spent largely at the wrong end of the table.

“It has been a good day, with a great performance and result,” McAllister said.

“There has not been a great deal to shout about, but the journey home will be sweet and we appreciate the support because it is not been a great year but they stuck by us.”