Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit back at his critics by claiming that he must be a "genius" for hiding the fact that he is 'tactically useless' for so many years.

The Frenchman's future at the Emirates has been called into question once again following an inconsistent start to Arsenal's season.

Some fans expressed their desire for Wenger to leave the club by unfurling a banner during the Gunners' 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday saying: 'Arsene, thanks for the memories but it is time to say goodbye'.

Some quarters have questioned Wenger's tactics, but the Frenchman believes that his ability has been proved by the club qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds for 15 consecutive seasons.

"I started to manage a team at the top level in 1983," Wenger told reporters. "If I am completely useless tactically, I am a genius [because] I can hide it very well.

"Look, in [each of] the last 15 years, we are qualified for the last 16 in the Champions League. Give me another club who has done that. I think we have shown extreme consistency and that's all we can do.

"We've had ups and downs in the league, yes, it's true, but you only come back again when the spirit is strong and healthy and united inside the club."

Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League table, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, and two points adrift of fourth spot.