Wenger admits he ‘should have sorted deal out earlier’

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger insists he will head into Tuesday’s board meeting to discuss his Arsenal future perfectly equipped with all he needs to secure a new contract – namely a replay of Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over 10-man Chelsea.

It remains unclear whether the 67-year-old will continue as manager of the Gunners, despite capping a disappointing season with a record-breaking victory over the newly crowned Premier League champions.

Wenger has come in for criticism from a number of Arsenal fans this season after the club failed to reach the Champions League for the first time in 19 years, with protests calling for the Frenchman to leave when his current deal expires next month.

Arsenal finished fifth in the league, having crashed out of the Champions League following a 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.

But Wenger, and his Arsenal players, redeemed their campaign to secure a record 13th FA Cup success for the club.

A controversial Alexis Sanchez goal opened proceedings, with referee Anthony Taylor over-ruling an offside decision having missed a handball from the Chilean in the build-up.

Diego Costa levelled for the below-par Blues after Victor Moses had picked up a second yellow card for diving in the Arsenal box, only to see Aaron Ramsey head home the decisive goal three minutes later.

Wenger revealed after the game that the Arsenal board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, with his future expected to be decided.

And the Frenchman believes the victory over Antonio Conte’s Chelsea is proof enough that he is the right man to continue as Arsenal boss.

Asked if he would be preparing a presentation ahead of the meeting, Wenger said: “The best presentation is to watch the game.

“I’ve played until the end of my contract, which is today basically. I think I have shown you that I have exactly the same commitment.

“For me, the contract does not have special meaning but, because of the debate, maybe I should have sorted that out earlier.”