Empty seats at the Emirates could spell the end for Wenger

The Wenger-out brigade might have finally won the battle. The proportion of Arsenal fans that oppose the long-serving manager's position at the club has grown steadily over the past few years, most notably when Arsenal failed to finish in the top four for the first time in 21 years. 

Although this lack of Champions League football, which may well be repeated this year, was a turning point for many, it wasn't enough to convince the board that Wenger needed to go. In fact, he signed a new two year deal at the end of the season, keeping him under contract until the summer of 2019.

However, the opposition to the manager has got stronger still this season, with the 'Gunners' in poor form and set to finish sixth (or at best fifth), and with no domestic trophy to save face like in previous seasons. Wenger's only shot of redemption is to qualify for Champions League football by winning the Europa League, which is no easy task given that they have drawn Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the tournament. 

Fans have now begun to boycott games, and it has been evident to see when watching recent Arsenal fixtures, with the Emirates far from full. Thousands of regulars, season-ticket holders mostly, have decided to stay at home instead of attending games at the Emirates, and according to 'Sportsmail', it has started to have an effect on the Arsenal board's view.

Although the financial impact of these empty seats isn't as significant as first imagined, due to the fact that season ticket holders have already paid their fees for the seats, the damage to the club's image is beginning to worry the club's heirarchy. It is feared that this may hurt the club's commercial value, and key figures are now beginning to believe it is time for Wenger to leave. 

All that being said, the man himself has made it clear he intends to honour his contract. Nonetheless, if the club fail to get Champions League football for the second year in a row, it may not be his decision. Empty seats and no European football do not make for a good combination.