Arsene Wenger hits back at criticism from Arsenal supporters

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refused to comment on 'good-bye Arsene' banner, after his team beat West Brom.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has again shrugged off criticism from the club's supporters and insisted his tactical acumen cannot be questioned after more than 30 years as a top-level coach.

A banner was unfurled by a small number of Arsenal supporters following their 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday calling for Wenger to step down from the post he has held since 1996, but the Frenchman responded by offering another stout defence of his record and suggested his doubters are wrong to question his judgement.

"I started to manage a team at the top level in 1983 so, if I am completely useless tactically, I am a genius to hide it so well," Wenger told reporters.

"I never know what a Plan B is. I do what I love and I think I do it with honesty and total commitment. I invite you to live with me and see in seven days what kind of work we produce and you will see it's with total commitment.

"I think we have shown extreme consistency and that's all you can do. Look, in the last 15 years, we are qualified for the last 16 in the Champions League. Give me another club who has done that. There not another club.

"We've had ups and downs in the league, yet it's true, but you only come back again when the spirit is strong and healthy and united inside the club. I think if you have shown such a consistency, it's because we have that at the club. We have values and we respect them."

Wenger is now relishing his side's chance to close the gap on top four contenders Southampton when Ronald Koeman's side travel to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with the Arsenal boss convinced his side are now in good form.

"We have had three good performances [recently] and only got two good results, but we look forward to Southampton now" he added, reflecting on the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United and the subsequent wins against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and West Brom last weekend.

"We responded well [since Man United] and had two clean sheets after our defensive stability was questioned and we responded very well on that front. When you win in the Champions League and you have to travel away in the Premier League and you win again, you can say that you have done your job."