Arsène Wenger is universally acknowledged to be a great football manager, but I believe he has let himself become too isolated. How much effort has he made to integrate into UK life? All his contacts appear to be with the ‘old country,’ i.e. France and French speaking Africa. He seems to live in a little cultural island.

At work he has enjoyed and absorbed the uncritical praise of football friends (and even foes) for many, many years. This, together with his isolation, has left him without the capacity to listen to worried and well-meaning advice which contradicts the considered opinion he has formed of himself and his abilities.

According to newspaper reports he won’t tolerate any publicly expressed adverse opinions from any of his squad – least of all will he listen to mere supporters. He is the boss. He knows what he’s doing. He decides. Take it or leave it! But the danger is plainly there that he might take things to an extreme, just to prove that he was right all along – a fifth fruitless season?

Hearing some of his statements after recent games one could be forgiven for thinking that he had been to an altogether different match. His isolation and his self-belief prevent his seeing that his plans and intentions before the match bear no relation to the evidence on the pitch. He continually has to justify himself by repeating the intended plan and ignoring the result of applying it. This is obviously dishonest and it makes him look very foolish.

Arsenal supporters don’t care about Arsène Wenger himself, although his former managerial skill is appreciated. Supporters don’t care about any individual players either, although those who do a good professional job week in and week out will always have a faithful following.

Arsenal supporters care only for winning (primary objective) and winning in style (icing on the cake).

It is time for Arsène Wenger to face facts, to listen to and act upon constructive advice and to correct the deficiencies now, or be the gentleman he undoubtedly is and voluntarily move on.