STEVE AGNEW can remember a time before Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss might have been in position for more than 20 years, but there are those who can recollect life in North London before the Frenchman became synonymous with both the good and bad of his club.

In September 1996, Wenger sat in the stands at Highbury watching Arsenal take on Sunderland in the game before his appointment was confirmed. Pat Rice was in caretaker charge of the Gunners, and Agnew was part of a Sunderland side that also featured the likes of Kevin Ball and Paul Bracewell.

It was not a good day for the Wearsiders. Martin Scott and Paul Stewart were both sent off in the first half, and while Sunderland held out for more than 70 minutes, late goals from John Hartson and Paul Merson secured Arsenal a 2-0 win.

A week or so later, and Wenger was in charge. Much about Arsenal, indeed much about English football in general, has changed since then, yet when Wenger takes his Arsenal side to the Riverside to face Middlesbrough this evening, his managerial future will dominate the national agenda.

Given he only replaced Aitor Karanka last month, Agnew might appear unqualified to discuss Wenger’s position. Yet having been present at the point of the Arsenal boss’ inauguration, the Middlesbrough head coach can offer a valuable perspective on the furore that has engulfed the Emirates in recent months.

Agnew feels much of the vitriol directed at Wenger is misplaced. Yet having watched Karanka depart despite guiding Middlesbrough to promotion last season, the 51-year-old also accepts that football can be a cruelly unforgiving game.

“Arsene Wenger, in my opinion, is one of the most talented coaches that has been around for many years,” said Agnew. “But the game is results driven, we all know that.

“He has had 20 years at Arsenal, which is an amazing achievement, and I think some of the criticism has been way over the top. But unfortunately criticism comes with the business that we’re in.”

The Middlesbrough fans are yet to deliver their verdict on Agnew, and his chances of landing the head coach job on a permanent basis could be heavily influenced by the mood around the Riverside stadium in the final month of the campaign.

Whatever happens in terms of Boro’s survival bid, Steve Gibson appears keen to give Agnew an opportunity to prove himself on a long-term basis. However, that could prove more difficult if a large number of Boro fans decide they do not want the former number two to remain in his current position.

At the moment, opinion is divided. Boro’s recent performances against Swansea and Burnley provided some cause for optimism, but the fact Agnew has only managed to claim two points from his four games in charge is a source of understandable concern.

A positive result tonight would obviously help, and Agnew continues to insist survival remains a realistic ambition. However, he is also experienced enough to know that criticism could also be on the way.

“Does that bother me? No,” he said. “It’s the nature of the beast, and it doesn’t worry me. I’ve had it from a young boy – I could go on and on about the things that have happened.

“I’ve had it all the way through my career from 18. What it does is that when you’ve had criticism, it just makes you more determined, and that’s where I am at now.”

The criticism being levelled at Wenger is a reflection of the recent downturn in form that sees Arsenal in grave danger of missing out on a Champions League place for the first time in more than a decade.

The Gunners go into tonight’s game in seventh position, having conceded three or more goals in five of their last six away games.

Last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace was a humiliating experience, with Arsenal’s fragile defence being ripped apart at will, and Agnew is urging his players to take advantage of any lingering nervousness within the opposition ranks.

Arsenal’s last away win in the league came at Swansea in mid-January, and while Boro remain the Premier League’s lowest scorers with just 22 goals from 31 matches, Agnew is hoping they will be on the front foot tonight.

“Arsenal are in a difficult moment, certainly away from home,” he said. “But they have top-quality players throughout the team. We know it will be a really, really difficult game.

“We need to start scoring goals. We’re confident that we are capable and we have got the players. Arsenal have conceded a number of goals in recent weeks, particularly away from home, so that gives us confidence.

“Our movements and ability to create a chance has been evident in recent games. We just need to make sure when the chance comes along, we take it.”

Agnew is hoping the home support will add to Arsenal’s uncertainty, and boost Boro’s position ahead of next weekend’s trip to Bournemouth.

“We’ve all been to the Riverside on a night match, and that’s always a fantastic atmosphere,” he said. “That’s a positive, but we need to start the game on the front foot and give the fans something to latch on to and cheer about. Hopefully, we can put on a performance that everyone is encouraged by, and come away with three points.”

Middlesbrough (probable, 4-2-3-1): Valdes; Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter; Traore, Ramirez, Downing; Negredo.