From innovator to "specialist in failure," this riveting episode charts Arsène Wenger's steep fall at Arsenal. His pioneering vision had remade English football, introducing new tactics, diets, and a cosmopolitan ethos that redefined excellence. The unbeaten "Invincibles" season cemented his legend, but also marked the start of a tragic decline.
As richer clubs co-opted Wenger's methods, his stubborn penny-pinching while Arsenal's debt piled up from their new Emirates stadium ended up creating fan toxicity. The famous (and hilarious) battle of "Pizzagate" at Old Trafford in 2004 signalled the start of the unravelling.
With raw insight on Wenger himself, the episode explores the personal costs of his uncompromising obsession, which alienated even die-hard fans. From glorious highs battling Sir Alex Ferguson to humiliating lows like a 6-0 loss on his 1000th game, it traces Wenger's descent from manager to "specialist in failure" caricature. And yet all through it, he loved his job at Arsenal.
This unsparing portrait captures the complexity of a man who remade the modern game yet stubbornly clung to his principles amid changing circumstances. The biggest victim was Wenger himself. His rise, fall, and self-reckoning are the story of a man who ended up feeling he had devoted too much of his life to football.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Arsene Wenger and framing his rise and fall
3:00 - Wenger's meteoric rise, pioneering approach and creation of the "Invincibles"
9:00- The "Pizzagate" incident at Old Trafford in 2004 signals the start of Wenger's decline
14:30 - Wenger's aversion to spending and friction with new free-spending owners like Abramovich
19:00 - Poor decisions like selling Van Persie as criticisms mount
23:00 - The Emirates Stadium move precipitating years of austerity and player sales
28:30 - Wenger becoming alienated from fans, a "specialist in failure" meme
33:00 - The lingering pain of the 2006 Champions League final loss
38:00 - How Wenger coped by doubling down on his autonomy as results worsened
43:00 - Rise of fan channels like AFTV amplifying "Wenger Out" toxicity
48:30 - Wenger's forced 2018 exit after protracted decline
53:00 - His struggle adapting to civilian life and reflections on sacrificing family
58:00 - Reassessing Wenger's complicated legacy as a transformative pioneer
1:03:00 - Looking ahead - could Arsenal find a role for him?
Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!
Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?
By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.
Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.
Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You Might Like
