Tag Archives: Arsene Wenger

Arsenal Manager Praises Forward Options After 25-Year-Old Return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the striking options available to him in his squad after seeing Theo Walcott return from injury against Hull City last night, as reported by ArsenalFC.com.

The Gunners triumphed 2-0 in the third round clash, a repeat of last year’s final, when the north London side also won.

Per Mertesacker opened the scoring for Wenger’s side, who dominated the majority of the game.

Alexis Sanchez then wrapped up the game with a goal late on, and he was exceptional at leading the like.

Walcott returned to action for the first time since the third round last season, offering another player for Wenger to consider going forward.

Joel Campbell also played in the game, one of his first appearances for the Emirates Stadium side.

This, along with Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud, who played no part, means Wenger has options going forward.

He was effusive in his praise for the options up front.

“We have many options when you think of the players who still have not played tonight,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We have many solutions up front.

“You cannot expect much [from Walcott yet] but fitness-wise he was good. He had good chances, made some good runs. He has to get used to contact again and that will take a little bit of time. Overall it was a positive first game.

“It’s a very important period now. We’ve had many injuries until now and hopefully everybody will be back.”

 

Arsenal Boss Admits Defence Don’t Talk To Each Other And Lack Leaders

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called for more leadership to be displayed by his players after seeing his side collapse to a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at the weekend.

The Gunners have struggled since the start of the campaign, with attacking talent being let down by poor defensive displays elsewhere in the team.

The likes of Alexis Sanchez have been carrying the team to results at times, with the suggestion that there is little chance of the team keeping a clean sheet.

Arsenal fell three goals behind against Stoke City prior to half time, and despite the north London side scoring two goals after the break, they lost the game.

Wenger was then abused by his fans on their way back to London, which shows the pressure on him.

He’s looking for leadership from his players going into the festive period, with the hope that senior players can help the rest of the team get better results.

He also admitted no one in his side talks enough.

He said, regarding Liverpool’s late goal: “Mertesacker gives his best and on the corner it is more organisational and collective problem, because nobody really talks.

“They should, yes. Of course it’s important to have someone organising.

“Sometimes it’s just one yard forward or backwards that makes a difference. You want somebody to take the leadership there.”

Wenger Reveals Reason Behind Arsenal Injury Crisis

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has blamed his side’s involvement in Champions League qualifiers for his side’s staggering injury crisis this season.

The Gunners have had a huge 42 injuries since the start of the season, including to top stars like Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy, all for extended periods of time.

Arsenal’s defence has been left in tatters as a result of injuries suffered by Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny, with the north London side having entered the season with few options at the back.

Their midfield has also been impacted by injury, and they had to start the game against Liverpool with a central midfield three of Mathieu Flamini, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, with only one of the three a recognised deep central midfielder.

The absence of Giroud also hit Arsenal hard, as evidenced by his goalscoring record since his return.

Wenger has revealed his thoughts behind the crisis, telling the press: “Let’s not forget we played eight Champions League games since start of season.

“When bodies are not really prepared you go from Besiktas to Everton. Is it the only explanation (for some of the injuries), otherwise I don’t know.

“I believe 2015 can be very exciting if we get injured players back and have a good run. Top four is always the minimum required but we have Champions League, FA Cup, and the Premier League, where we want to come back to a stronger position and I think we will.”