Defiant Wenger rounds on his critics after backing from board

The Frenchman brushed off speculation regarding his position hours after the club's chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, said the manager had the "total support" of the board and promised to make significant funds available in January's transfer window.

Questions have been raised over Wenger's future following Arsenal's worst start to a league campaign in more than half a century. They were shambolic in losing 8-2 to Manchester United and endured a 4-3 defeat at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. Many fans have queried Wenger's transfer policy and his tactical acumen and wondered whether it is time to replace the manager.