Wenger understands fear factor

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger can understand the "fear" of Arsenal fans, but called for a sense of perspective as he looks to get their Barclays Premier League campaign back on track with victory over bottom club QPR on Saturday.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis, chairman Peter Hill-Wood and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke were all heckled at the club's annual general meeting on Thursday over Arsenal's financial strategy, in the wake of the £24million sale of captain Robin van Persie to rivals Manchester United and failure to win silverware since the FA Cup in 2005.

"There were concerns, of course, and there is no better moment than the AGM to express it," Wenger said. "It is sometimes emotional. I think as well, it's a lot guided by fear. Our fans fear that we will not be capable to compete financially to keep our best players and you know that subject - and you knew that would turn up, that is nothing new."

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