David Ospina’s error proved costly in the Champions League, raising questions about Arsene Wenger’s team selection.
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“There are three points between the teams, we play at home in a big game”.
Arsene Wenger reacted angrily to questions about his slection for Arsenal’s defeat by Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Wenger had initially reacted angrily to questions about his team selection having picked David Ospina for the midweek Champions League defeat to Olympiakos – ahead of Petr Cech – and his decision was scrutinised after the Colombian dropped a ball into his own net. He was unusually curt with his answers.
“I do not have to sit here and give you any explanation about every decision I make”, Wenger told the assembled press.
“You can not select the team by making a poll before the game and getting everyone’s opinion”.
‘People say Arsenal have made it hard for themselves but, for me, progression is now out of their hands, ‘ he added.
“It think our defending, especially in set pieces, is where we really need to get better. If it stays 2-2 for five minutes we win the game”.
Wenger’s side now face a double-header against Bayern Munich with no points to their name and welcome Premier League leaders Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with television host and Arsenal fan Morgan unhappy with the manager’s decision. I think everyone will have regrets and it is good to take that away. “If you have watched the game and you come down to the conclusion that we lost the game because of Ospina, I question your knowledge of football”. Why else would Wenger rest his tallest (and best of course) keeper Cech as well as the giant centre back Per Mertesacker?
The loss leaves the Gunners without a win from their first two games in Europe’s elite club competition, and on the brink of failing to get beyond the group stage for the first time in 15 years.
According to the Metro, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes Arsenal could win the EPL title this season due to the quality of their players.
“We learn from victory and we learn from defeat”, he said.
He confirmed that Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta will all miss the United game, but Francis Coquelin should be fit.
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“One day I will look back but now is not the time to look back”, he said.
