The last time the reigning top flight champions lost their first two league games was in 1981-82 (Aston Villa).
Advertisement
“Our strength is the same”.
But Ranieri remained optimistic, saying “It was a good performance”. We are strong and we believe.
“I have not to forget as well that we are a club who has 600 employes who we need to have a responsible attitude (towards) as well”. “If it is a guy of 32 and we think he has the quality then we will do it”.
The Hull loss did bring Leicester down to the ground, but a win over Arsenal will certainly see them flying again.
Wenger did try to sign striker Jamie Vardy from Leicester, only for the England forward to decide to sign a new contract with the Midlands club.
Vardy blazed wide and Mahrez’s shot was saved by Petr Cech.
But speaking about the goalless draw against Leicester City, he says he needs to analyse the situation before signing the right player.
“The challenge will be exactly the same”, said Wenger, whose side was unbeaten against Leicester in 21 encounters stretching back to November 1994. “They are a team who are very organised and it’s very hard to create chances”.
If the Foxes went into their first home match of the season with an inferiority complex, despite being the champions, it was understandable.
“We have to address our defensive weaknesses from last week without compromising our style of play”, he said.
Up front, it is very hard.
With centre-back pairing Gabriel and Per Mertesacker injured Wenger opted not to recall fellow defender Laurent Koscielny, as well as Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool following their Euro 2016 exertions.
Wenger added: “Aaron Ramsey should be back after the global break”.
Ramsey suffered a hamstring injury in the game, while midfielder Alex Iwobi suffered a thigh injury. “Rob Holding is a good player and he is English”. Musa got his debut, and Robert Huth was suspended, so Luis Hernandez played in his place.
Advertisement
Ranieri was satisfied with his side’s display throughout a match that only truly threatened to open up during the closing stages.
