Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has heaped praise on his Arsenal counterpart Petr Cech who was again in superb form for the Premier League leaders in a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Sunday.
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There has been a fiery edge to the fixture ever since, while winning in the Potteries would appear to be a psychological hurdle for Arsenal, who have lost three and drawn three of their last six top-flight fixtures at the Britannia Stadium.
In a clash that featured few chances and no yellow cards, goalkeepers Jack Butland and Petr Cech took centre stage with brilliant saves from Olivier Giroud and Joselu in either half.
When asked if it was a game of two keepers, Wenger said: “I think Stoke was risky as well”.
Wenger’s assertion about physical tactics appear to be wide of the mark considering ex-boss Tony Pulis’ side were overtly tough in combat compared to Hughes’ squad.
Afellay said: “In the end a draw against Arsenal is a good result – but I think, especially in the first half, we deserved more and we could have won the game”.
“I don’t think it’s a minority of fans; I know it’s a minority”. With all the players that were out we came away again with a result today.
Arsene Wenger was aware of the chant during the game, but revealed he felt helpless to do anything about it, speaking at his post-match presser.
A share of the spoils at the Britannia Stadium saw Arsenal return to the summit on goal difference ahead of surprise title contenders Leicester City, with both clubson 44 points from 22 league matches.
“We are prepared to go toe-to-toe with Premier League teams and see where it takes us”.
“We haven’t conceded ground, we haven’t been apprehensive about what we were facing and we went out there and backed our ability against them”.
The Potters were unlucky not to beat Arsenal on Sunday evening, and Wenger’s men must play to a higher standard if they are to stay at the top of the league for the duration of the campaign.
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Arsenal started on the front foot in the second half and for a second time Butland got the better of Giroud, diving low to push the Frenchman’s header away following a corner from Aaron Ramsey. I must say I can not fault my team for their attitude, it was spot on the way my team responded to the challenge.
