Arsenal and its longtime manager ­Arsene Wenger have gone through a lot of tough times this season but Thursday may have marked a turning point. ­Because though Arsenal hosted West Brom and won 2-0 handily, it was very apparent that a good portion of the stands were noticeably empty. While the club and Wenger have been heavily ­criticized by supporters this season, at least the dissatisfaction was limited to vocal criticism. However, judging from Thursday's home game, fans have begun transferring their anger to staying away with thousands of season ticket holders reportedly having put their ­tickets up for sale.

It is never a good thing when fans are enraged, but at least it shows passion. When fans stop caring and stay away, it is worse because the passion has turned into apathy.

It is no surprise why Arsenal fans are full of frustration and fury this season. Not only has a serious Premiership title charge evaporated, but the team are struggling to even stay in the top four.

After Thursday's victory, the team needed to continue their winning ­momentum. Unfortunately, Arsenal then went on to register a limp 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Sunday, illustrating why Gunners fans have started turning off the team. It was the latest pattern of lackadaisical play from the Gunners and the third draw in four games. Contrast that with Manchester City's 4-0 destruction of Stoke and Leicester and Spurs' continued battle to the end in grinding out tough wins.

Ironically, Arsenal's slump at the end of the season can be traced to after they beat league leaders Leicester on February 14. The following week, they drew 0-0 with Hull in the FA Cup, then went on to lose five of their seven games, which saw them being dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League. This came on top of earlier slumps in November and January, though at least injuries were a factor then.

As it is, Wenger needs to do more than just keep saying the same platitudes about the players trying hard and fans having to support the team. He needs to stop defending his players so much and he needs to revamp the squad in the summer, even if it means letting a few stalwarts leave. In short, he may have to be a bit ruthless. Many pundits and fans have accused the team of being too soft and folding anytime things get tough. It must not be discounted that complacency may be a big factor because it seems that some players feel that no matter what, they will not lose their places.

Wenger does not deserve all the blame for this season's stunning mediocrity, but he needs to acknowledge that his team is mediocre. The fans, at least, deserve better.

The author is a Hong Kong-based freelance writer. hcpyip@gmail.com