Arsene Wenger spoke to Sky after this evening’s very enjoyable 4-1 win over Stoke City at the Ray Winstone Arena.
Here’s what he had to say.
Stoke not normally a happy ground, was it an emphatic victory?
Yes, I believe we had a continuity of our performances recently, and when we were tested – coming back to 2-1 from a very dodgy goal – we showed character and in the end we had a deserved win with a big difference, yes.
Have you gone up a gear today?
Yep, we looked like we were in control. In the second half they made it a bit rough, they tried for a while, and for us it was important to keep our nerve and keep playing. We had to survive a few corners on the bounce but overall we had good focus and didn’t give in.
On Ozil and Sanchez linking up well
Our game is based on that, so when it works as manager you find it natural. It demands special quality and they have it.
Were you about to take Sanchez off before he scored?
Yes, he asked to come off, but Alexis is special. Not only a special talent but he finds always the resources. He’s a fighter and he’s shown that again today.
Are you taking credit for leaving him on?
No! I don’t claim credit for anything, I just think he has shown again it’s not only about talent but also about desire and fighting, and he has that as well.
Are Arsenal hitting form at the right time?
Look, we have 69 points tonight so we have come through a difficult period, but to get those points you need to win some games during the season. At the moment we have consistency but let’s finish well. We have a big game again on Tuesday, a game every three days, we have to recover and keep the same focus.
What are the chances of making the top four?
I don’t think like that. Let’s do the job and afterwards see what happens. We are 69 tonight, let’s go to 72 on Tuesday and that means keeping focus and winning the game. Sunderland has nothing to lose, and it will be a game like today, backs to the wall.
There’s not anyone I can think of that represents Arsenal’s values better than him. I wish him all the best, whether he stays or leaves, crazy to think next Sunday could be his last game at the Emirates. Loved the support for him at the end of the game from our fans. #COYG
Bro, this is so fucking sad. 🙁
There’s the thing with Arsene. You can want him out, fly those wanky banners and all the rest of it. He will remain dignified throughout, never claim a win is down to him like every other manager does and generally remain respectful to all.
I want a new manager but I also feel we should show the man the respect he deserves regardless if he stays or goes.
He will leave sooner than later regardless. Wanting a new manager doesn’t mean it is the best move for the club either. Putting things in place for the succession yes. That may still mean we are dependent on him rebuilding of the summer proves to be tricky. The last thing we want is a new bloke come in and have to handle acclimistising to a new league plus have to perform major surgery on the squad in a difficult market. Personally I feel if he should at very least retain top 4 MINIMUM finish (and/or) possibly the FA cup, he… Read more »
Totally. Not sure i could have maintained dignity while being asked ‘are Arsenal hitting form at the right time’…. no, you total wank blanket, if we hit form at the right time Chelsea wouldn’t have won the league last night.
Journalism has turned into trolling. What can you do…
3 games in 6 days – 9 points – 8 goals scored and 1 conceded. Decent form – quite a few that played every game.
I just hope Sanchez is okay, and scoring that goal hasn’t come at a cost. Other than that, yay !!…
I hope, that we end the season well, but the thought of having Wenger in charge for just three more games makes me sad.
Sign the contract please Arsene.
WengerIn
Loved our fans clapping Wenger off at the end. The geeza loves and gives so much to The Arsenal and while he has made mistakes, at least he’s started to turn things around even if it is potentially too late for 4th place (come on you hammers tomorrow!) this season. Great to get one over those deplorable cunts today!
To the people that organised the plane banner – you are bellends, pure and simple.
You want a waste of money, those planes with the banners.
what is NOT a waste of money…Rob Holding for 2m, Alexis for 35m (who else could afford him?), Ozil, Mustafi, cech and Santi (a steal)
David Dein done well with those deals.
😉
Agree, wether you want him in or out, how does a fucking banner help anyone but the opposition?
It was such a wankery banner too. Hard to believe any real Arsenal fans would have come up with something like that.
Who could actually afford it too? Pi*rs M*rg*n?
“We are 69 tonight”
Arsene’s win bonus?
We’ve beaten United, Soton and Stoke away in quick succession. We should have beat Spurts had we more belief.
Proves this team is perfectly capable on the day. The gaffer needs to provide the correct tactical structure in a timely manner which he often does not.
AND the team need a bit of mental self belief. We are so easily prey to self doubt is the problem.
Stoke fans are as thick as their midriff after too many half time pies.
Want Wenger to stay do they?
I mean it does us no good for the title and bigger prizes but even a mediocre Wenger keeps us with a shout at a historic trophy and in top four which is more than can be said for Stoke.
Season in and out in mediocrity and playing some of the most unimaginative/boring football you’ll ever see..unless of course your David Pleat.:D
Plenty of work to do on our part. Sunderland next and we can take nothing for granted. We still are dependent on (likely) Liverpool dropping points because City look like they can collect 6 in the last 2 matches. And thereafter if we sneak in yet again, we also have to deny Chelsea their double, claim (MORE IMPORTANTLY lest you are the media) our historical win as the MOST successful club in the illustrious competition and Wenger as the manager who has won it the most. As far as this team is concern, it is so grating to see how… Read more »
Whoever is wasting money on those wanky banners should do something useful and either die or give the money to charity.
If they are intent on spending money on banners then concentrate on Kroenke, the guy has no clue about any sport.
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/04/kiszla-struggles-nuggets-avs-rapids-kroenke/