Arsene Wenger says Arsenal must maintain a rigorous in-game attitude after Swansea twice threatened to peg back his side during Saturday’s end-to-end 3-2 win at the Emirates.
The Gunners zipped to a two goal advantage courtesy of Theo Walcott’s brace but found themselves nervously holding on after Mesut Ozil’s second half strike when the visitors twice hit back and Granit Xhaka received his marching orders.
Hinting that his side perhaps took it too easy at key moments of the match, the boss played up the importance of staying focused throughout.
“I think that we [need to] keep our rigorous attitude,” Wenger said. “We are a playing side, and you see that when we are 2-0 up.
“Suddenly the playing takes over, but the rigorous attitude is always to do what the game demands. I believe that today maybe we were a bit too easy at 2-0, thinking ‘OK, we’ll win the game today’.
“In the Premier League, we have to be conscious in every single game.
“But after the first game against Liverpool, you could not predict that we would be where we are today. That means what is at stake for us is to show that we can maintain that run over a longer distance.
“We are all conscious that we still have some things to improve and that we have to go a step higher up.”
Arsenal are now up to second in the table, level on points with leaders Manchester City, and could extend their winning league streak to seven matches when Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough visit the Emirates on Saturday.
It would be only the eighth time during Wenger’s tenure that the Gunners have achieved such a feat…
Arsenal best league winning streaks by season (last 20 years)
2015/16 – 5 games
2014/15 – 8 games
2013/14 – 5 games x 3
2012/13 – 4 games x 2
2011/12 – 7 games
2010/11 – 3 games x 3
2009/10 – 6 games
2008/09 – 5 games
2007/08 – 7 games
2006/07 – 5 games
2005/06 – 4 games
2004/05 – 5 games
2003/04 – 9 games
2002/03 – 5 games
2001/02 – 13 games
2000/01 – 5 games
1999/2000 – 8 games
1998/1999 – 5 games
1997/1998 – 10 games
1996/1997 – 4 games
Enter Elneny
I fucking loved that 01/02 Double side.
Wouldnt be surprised to see the changes come in for the champions league. No offence to ludogorets. But we should have the class to beat them and also provide some much needed minutes to some of the lads like ox, elneny, gabriel and lucas if hes fit.
Think we need to rest some players. Alexis looked shot. Lot of games coming up.
The Jeff
Am I the only one surprised that in the 2003-04 season we had a lesser number than in 2001-02?
Makes two of us
Nothing beats that run-in with Freddie and his red hair.
Ah man those were the days!
I’m not. It was a great season with some amazing games but we had a lot of draws and were really lucky to get some of them.
More importantly when the run stops its important to have that BBA.
I thought it was one word: bouncebackability. If that’s the case, I guess it’s important to have B.
Perfect opportunity to rotate the team. Sanchez needs a rest! Keep him fresh for Saturday!
COYG!
“In the Premier League, we have to be conscious in every single game…”…that and not wearing slippers on the pitch…
13 games in 01/02 was an unreal time to be alive. I feel like that double winning team have been nearly forgotten about because of the Invicincibles and’98 being Wenger’s 1st.
It would be good to see Giroud and Ramsey on top form during winter. Quality of the squad is what will get us through winter.
Jose Mourinho is a Cunt.
John Terry is a Cunt.
Mr.Moss is a Cunt .
Mike Dean is a cunt
Nah, Mike Dean is a double cunt!
Mike Dean more of a cunt than JM and JT? Big call.
The 2002 team is my favourite ever Arsenal side. Not sure why. On paper being invincibles is a greater achievement. But that ’02 final run in was truly magical. The stuff of dreams and comic books.
I think Alexis is trying to emulate Messi and Ronaldo and wants to play every game, take every penalty and score 40+ goals (and win titles). So I’ll think he’ll keep playing. Especially if there is a chance for a few goals.
So from what I can tell, any season we have a 9+ win streak we win the title & 6+ win streaks appear to result in at least a 3rd place finish or better. Number 9 of this current run will be against Tottenham. Come on boys lets keep it up!
Yeah and tell the players to talk on the pitch! This is a game of feet not lips!
I loved the 98 run in..Petit at home to Derby, Wreh and Manninger at Wimbledon etc…u could just feel the momentum swinging our way and United about to be toppled after having a massive Xmas lead. Fucking beautiful?? Overmars!!!!