The Gunners’ proud run of qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stages are hanging by a thread after Wednesday’s drubbing but they are flying in the Premier League, second to Manchester City only on goal difference.
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But it was Arsenal who prevailed when their paths last crossed in late September, an unlikely brace from defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini giving Wenger’s men a 2-1 victory in the League Cup.
The Frenchman was the only manager across Europe’s top five leagues not to sign an outfield player in the summer transfer window but remains delighted with improving his goalkeeping department.
“I think this season the balance is almost flawless, but always we need to improve”. I just said that it would make common sense to not use Bale or Ramsey once they were qualified and bring them on with 20 minutes to go to greet everybody and [say] “thank you”.
“We are not anywhere, but we are somewhere, and we managed to get him here and we are happy with it”. He said: ” I believe there is no coincidence.
The Gunners sit third in Group F with just three points from four games with their latest setback coming against Bayern Munich, who thrashed them 5-1 at the Allianz Arena.
“I didn’t know, I read it in the papers [last year]”, Wenger told reporters. They have been the best team in 2015, taking 67 points from their 30 Premier League matches, but being the best from January to December means nothing… Arsenal struggled both defensively and going forward against Bayern, and the injuries will continue to leave Wenger’s side short of their best.
He plays in a position where age is less of a restriction than in any other job.
“I am very concerned, honestly, because we are only in November and to have so many players out, knowing we go into the Christmas period soon – I am concerned”, Wenger said, as reported by the Guardian.
In fact, Wenger added on Arsenal.com: “Bellerin unfortunately, will not be ready, I think he could be back after the break”.
A big part of their recent surge has been the form of striker Harry Kane.
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He said: “They have a lot of ingredients to win the title, because when you see the name in the paper the quality is there”. We expect Pocchetino to go in with the same team that took the field against Villa last week.
