Arsenal were the best team in the league over the second term of last season as they conceded just seven goals in the club’s final 12 league games and Koscielny insists that Arsenal need to be more consistent defensively.
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Arsenal struggled to truly impose themselves for long spells but Akpom – who has spent time on loan at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest in recent seasons without scoring – added late gloss having broken the deadlock after 30 minutes. Wenger has also never won a Champions League title. “I am a bit surprised how sharp we looked because yesterday we had quite a good strong session and I found the players a bit exhausted”, he said.
Wenger has already signed Petr Cech from the Blues, but Henry says that is not enough.
“Bellerin and (Francis) Coquelin are the two players who were not necessarily planned last season to come out (and be involved in the team), they have to confirm (themselves) this season, and that is always very hard to produce the same performance in the second season, so that is their challenge”.
Arsenal doubled their lead on the hour mark, as Jack Wilshere converted from the spot after Mathieu Debuchy was brought down in the box by Sirina Camara. “He will certainly miss the first game”.
Akpom completed his hat-trick for Arsene Wenger’s men after he headed home from a cross put in Hector Bellerín, who beat the opposition left-back with some impressive skill. Usually it takes three weeks to be competitive.
As history has shown, the Gunners were organ donors to the rich as they saw their hearts ripped out in previous seasons after former captains Patrick Vieira (to Juventus), Cesc Fabregas (to Barcelona) and Robin van Persie (to Manchester United) were all sold. “We are starting a new season and I’m focused on that”.
Arsène Wenger has refused to rule out a £40m Arsenal move to sign the France striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, but has denied that a deal is imminent. “It’s true now we also have the ability to add some players (from) the top”.
Wenger told the club’s official website: “I sent him out on loan a year ago because I thought he needed it, during this season I plan to keep him with us”.
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Arsenal will play Everton in the final on Saturday after the Toffees saw off Stoke 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw earlier on Wednesday in the same stadium. “I don’t know what happened”.
