The Gunners have enjoyed a positive start to the year after they recorded a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
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Arsene Wenger has promised a short mid-season break to his Arsenal stars after the Gunners took top spot in the Premier League over Christmas.
Arsenal last won the league in 2004, two years before relocating from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, and Wenger says the current crop have a charisma that sets them apart from his teams of the intervening decade. Let’s be realistic. I think we should focus being on a strong performance and focus more on our performance.
“But when you had to dig deep, come out with your knowledge and your experience, it was a bit more hard”.
“I must say [you see] another aspect of your team in a game like [against Newcastle]”.
Newcastle looked the better team for long spells, with Aleksander Mitrovic, Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum all spurning good chances for the visitors. Newcastle played well. We showed the mental aspect of our team and we will need that.
However, despite the much poorer displays from their close opponents this term, Arsenal must spend in the January transfer market to help them to the league trophy.
“He is a guy who once the basic fitness is there between the games, he wants to play”.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini sent a warning out to Premier League rivals that Manchester City are ready to hit top gear in the title race after ending their away-day misery at Watford.
The French coach admitted his side looked worn out, with Arsenal relying on Petr Cech to pull off a number of key saves to prevent Newcastle from scoring.
“We have a good squad and we were able to rotate against Bournemouth, so all the players who played were fresh and able to do their jobs well”. Especially after seeing his team overcome Newcastle 1-0 despite a poor performance at home on Saturday.
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While the hosts struggled to deal with Newcastle’s vibrant and physical midfield, centre-half Laurent Koscielny once again produced a fantastic display.
