Arsene Wenger refused to be drawn on his future at Arsenal after his side’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal manager is facing a growing mutiny against a 20 year reign in North London that may have reached its nadir as Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side tore through a disorganised defence on their way to a commanding win at Selhurst Park.
Supporters chanted that players were “not fit to wear the shirt” at full-time but Wenger was not spared from their ire and must not prove to Arsenal’s supporters, and perhaps to the club board, that he can revive the stuttering side.
Having consistently avoided questions over whether he will sign the new two year contract believed to be on offer from the club Wenger remained loath to address the matter in his post-match press conference, which he labelled an “inconvenient” time to announce a decision.
On fans voicing their displeasure at Selhurst Park he added: “I want the fans to support the team. They are extremely disappointed and I can understand that.”
Speaking to BBC Sport Wenger insisted questions over his future were not affecting Arsenal’s players.
“I face [questions] in every press conference at the moment but tonight I'm not in the mood to speak about it.
“At the moment I pay more respect to the fact we had a disappointing result. What counts is how we perform on the pitch, the players and myself and I feel everyone is focused in the club to do it.”
As to why Arsenal had been so thoroughly outclassed Wenger added: “We lost too many duels and we paid for that. There is no obvious reason why. We prepared and everyone prepared well. It's difficult to explain just after the game.
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“I don't think my players didn't want it, but we lost duels in decisive moments and that's how games are decided at this level.
“I understand our fans are disappointed and we all are deeply tonight. It's very worrying and disappointing the way we lost the game. Palace were sharp, they beat Chelsea the other day, and that shows they have quality.
“We are in a difficult position. The game tonight doesn't help.”
