Arsenal: Wenger faces stadium ban; Parlour discusses title race; Euro 2016 winner linked

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Arsene Wenger could be facing a lengthy stadium ban after pushing the fourth official during his side’s victory over Burnley. The Mirror report that the FA are keen to take a tough stance against the Frenchman and send a clear message deterring any other manager from physically disrespecting referees. The incident came after Wenger launched a verbal attack on referee John Moss that included bad language, but the club has refused that the Frenchman used the word ‘cheat’ towards the match official. If he is handed a stadium ban as expected, he would likely miss the crucial clash against league leaders Chelsea.

It was an act that was out of character for the Frenchman, who rarely gets involved in controversy on the touchline. However, it was an emotional game and it is understandable that he got frustrated, but it should have been directed at his players, rather than the match officials. He was quick to apologise after the match, but that is unlikely to be enough to prevent a stadium ban. This will leave Steve Bould as the man in charge on match days and it is crucial that the players maintain a high level of performance, even if their manager isn’t present at the ground.

Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour has been talking about the title race and he believes that Arsenal could still triumph if they start showing up in big matches. The Gunners didn’t manage to beat Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham or Manchester United during the first half of the season. Ironically, Chelsea were the only top six side that Arsenal managed to record three points against, and even that led to the Blues changing formation sparking an incredible run of form.

“But if Arsenal can win their big games then that’s when you claw back the points in the title race.

“It will basically come down to those games when the teams at the top play each other because they are the big games that generally decide the title race.”

Although Parlour is correct that the matches between the top six will have a huge effect on the title race, Arsenal have dropped silly points against the likes of Everton and Bournemouth in recent weeks. It is more important for the Gunners to get maximum points against the other 14 clubs, as that will leave them in a good position ahead of the big matches. For Arsenal to win the title, they need a near perfect second half of the season.

Finally, Arsenal have been linked with a Euro 2016 winner. A Bola report that Arsenal are scouting FC Porto midfielder Danilo, with the view of strengthening their midfield. He has a release clause of €40 million, which would be a big fee for Arsenal, but finances have skyrocketed in recent years and they may feel that it is a price worth paying. Danilo had a great 2016 and is consistently standing out as one of the better players in Liga NOS. In addition to his international experience, he played in all six of Porto’s Champions League matches and didn’t look out of place at that level.

The 25-year-old is averaging 5.3 ball recoveries per game and is dominant in the air, which makes him an attractive option for Arsenal as they are currently having problems in their central midfield. Francis Coquelin isn’t at the level that they require, while Granit Xhaka is having disciplinary issues and they may want to add another ball winning midfielder in the summer. Danilo is not only combative, but he is able to pass the ball and he could be a good signing if Arsenal decide to act on their interest.

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