Arsene Wenger has apologised to the Arsenal supporters who believe that the club has underperformed over the past decade, claiming that he feels "frustrated" at not being able to keep them happy.
A section of the Gunners' fanbase protested inside and outside the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, calling for a change of management after what is perceived as being another campaign of failure.
The North London outfit are out of the Premier League title race in a season that will end with either Tottenham Hotspur or Leicester City as champions, while also exiting the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup early on.
Today's organised protest, which has left the club's fans divided, was thought to be the biggest yet staged against Wenger following a lack of progress since their last title win in 2004.
Speaking after the game with Norwich City, the Frenchman admitted to being disappointed by the way this season has panned out - made worse by the success of rank outsiders Leicester City and rivals Tottenham Hotspur - but is hoping to end the campaign on a high.
"We were warned about the protesters," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "You want to make the fans happy. I'm sorry if I don't achieve it. I'm irritated and frustrated if I cannot keep people happy.
"I have respect for the club and gave so much for the club - I want to make people happy. We have Man City now. We have to give a special game next Sunday. Our job is to do the best.
"This season we hoped we could win the league - it didn't happen and that's why people are frustrated. I can share that frustration. The aim is to come back and do what is needed to do it next year. The last three years the club has moved forward."
Arsenal's 1-0 win over Norwich takes them back up to third place, three points above Manchester City and eight ahead of West Ham United in fifth.
Daniel Lewis
