Arsene Wenger’s voice returned just in time for Arsenal’s clash with Stoke, in what felt like a dead rubber exhibition encounter at times.
The Frenchman couldn’t fulfil his usual pre-match press conference and matchday programme duties due to falling ill earlier this week, with assistant manager Steve Bould using the opportunity to back the Frenchman by claiming he is “hungrier than ever” to win.
Arsenal’s first half performance was laboured, dull and witnessed by a frustrated home support in a once again under capacity crowd. The excuses made for the empty seats in recent weeks have included the bad weather and public transport issues, but while it may have been Easter Sunday there can be no doubt that the home supporters are beginning to grow weary of the gradual decline that has gripped the Emirates Stadium over the past two seasons.