Wenger: 'Arsenal has a better chance to win the title'
"You have to win when you can and don't care too much about the rest. Don't care about the rumors, focus on winning the title," Wenger commented on beIN SPORTS, before the rematch match. 12 Premier League between Arsenal and Man City on February 15. "Next season, maybe the championship race conditions will not be as favorable for Arsenal as they are now. Therefore, Arsenal should not miss this opportunity. Winning 51 points through 21 matches is a remarkable achievement."
According to the former French coach, Man City is Arsenal's only opponent in the title race this season. Man Utd must distribute power in four arenas, while Chelsea and Liverpool have fallen and are currently standing in the middle of the table. "But now City are not as dominant as two or three seasons ago. From the beginning of the season, I have felt they are more vulnerable in defense than in previous years," Wenger added.
Arsenal used to create an eight-point gap, but fell short in the past two weeks when they lost 0-1 at Everton and drew 1-1 at home to Brentford at home in the Premier League. Currently, they are shortened by Man City to three points and are in danger of being taken to the top if they lose today. Two weeks ago, Arsenal also lost 0-1 at Man City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. But at that time, coach Mikel Arteta only used a reserve team, with goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Tomiyasu Takehiro, Rob Holding, midfielder Fabio Vieira or winger Leandro Trossard.
According to Wenger, despite not being in good form, this is the right time for Arsenal to play Man City. "They are good enough to beat Man City," he insisted. "There are always periods where you don't win, like now, and you have to face it and get over it. Arsenal aren't overrated, like when you met Brentford, but now meeting Man City is a good opportunity."
British media and many former players believe that the recruitment of Erling Haaland affects the collective play of Man City, although he has scored 25 goals in 21 matches. When asked about this, Wenger replied: "Haaland makes City a different club, because now they get the ball back a little bit slower. But when they do get the ball, they quickly get it to Haaland's position. . In the past, they were more patient with position swaps and coordinated, shorter and technically different play. This season, they've relied more on crosses and direct play against Haaland." .
In the 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day, in addition to giving the fans three points, the Arsenal leadership also invited Arsene Wenger to the audience. It was the legendary former French coach's first return to the Emirates Stadium since leaving Arsenal in 2018, and he sat in the stands near owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh. Throughout the match, Arsenal fans repeatedly chanted Wenger's name to appreciate the dedication of this military leader.
Wenger revealed he did not return to the Emirates Stadium sooner because he did not want to put pressure on his successors and players. He added: "It's mixed emotions. I've been sweating to build this stadium for 10 or 12 years, penny by penny. It's such a great feeling to see what's happening right now with The fans are happy because the club is doing well."
The 73-year-old former coach also praised his former student Arteta: "I like what I see and what I feel in the dressing room. It is the team spirit, the humility, the desire of the players. young player".
