Arsenal legend, Liam Brady, believes that Arsene Wenger is a victim of his own success.

Brady, who played for Arsenal between 1973 – 1980 under Bertie Mee and Terry Neill, explained to Eamon Dunphy’s Stand podcast that, before the Wenger-era, Arsenal weren’t all that successful. In fact, during Brady’s seven years in north London, the midfielder only ever won one FA Cup (1979) and a UEFA Cup Winners Cup runners-up medal (1980).

“We competed maybe twice in the old European Cup, once under George Graham and once under Bertie Mee,” Brady said.

“He’s a victim of his own success really.

“Lots of fans have been brought up on the team he created. [Patrick] Vieira and [Emmanuel] Petit and they are craving those days again, but it’s easier said than done. Be careful what you wish for.

“You have to look at the financial clout of the clubs he’s competing against. In those [early] days, he wasn’t competing against a Chelsea with [Roman] Abramovich or a Man City with Abu Dhabi money. Even Tottenham were a poor shadow of what they are now. Liverpool have invested a lot of money. Man United are a money machine.

“To keep the team consistently in the last 10 years in the top four, without having the money to spend… I know he’s spent money, but nothing compared to the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Man United have been able to afford, I think you have to take all that into consideration.”

When Wenger arrived in 1996, he brought with him a level of success and class the club hadn’t previously known. Under him, Arsenal have won the Premier League three times and the FA Cup six, as well as the Community Shield (6). Although we haven’t won the Champions League, we’ve reached the final twice.

Therefore, what Brady says makes complete sense. If Wenger’s success was being held up against Arsenal’s as a whole, it would seem crazy that we want him to leave. However, we’ve grown used to the Arsenal of the last 20 years that commands fear and is known for playing beautiful football. Now that this has gone, the fans want change.