Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists manager Arsene Wenger's job is not under threat. Hill-Wood turned on Wenger's critics and insisted there was no way the club would axe him.

"You have your ups and downs and we are having a bit of a down," he told the Daily Star.

"But some of the reaction has been a bit hysterical.

"You hear clubs being criticised for sacking their manager too quickly. Now there are people out there calling for us to sack a manager who has been a huge success for 15 years.

"That does not help much. I have been extremely disappointed by some of the recent results.

"I have been an Arsenal fan for a lot longer than most so I think I know what it feels like.

"It hurts a lot and I am sure Arsene is hurting too.

"He is very diplomatic and calm but deep down he feels very strongly and he is as upset as anyone.

"It's not just me who is backing Arsene. (Major shareholder) Stan Kroenke is very supportive too."