Wenger: 'We needed to be patient'
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We were delighted to get back to winning ways against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
It was important we won after losing our last two games. We had to wait for our chance and make sure we took it.
I was happy with the result because our confidence was a bit jaded.
QPR have quality and I don't think they will stay at the bottom of the league. We were a bit lucky they had Stephane Mbia sent off, because it made it easier for us to find a winner in the last 20 minutes. We played a serious game against a good team.
I made the decision to start Jack Wilshere and was impressed with his performance. Technically he was excellent and overall he produced a classy performance.
I didn't tell Jack I would be starting him until the morning of the game. Sometimes I think it's better to not have much time to think about the game when you have been out for such a long time. I also included him because I thought a player with his experience and class would give the team a lift.
We'll have to see how he responds from the game. He was kicked on Saturday and had no problem, which is a good sign.
It was also a big positive for us to see Bacary Sagna make his return. He did well and is physically ready.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
2012-10-20: Norwich City 1-0 Arsenal
Wenger: 'It was a shock to the system'
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We gave a disappointing performance against Norwich on Saturday.
I felt that we lacked a bit of sharpness throughout the game. We tried to get into our rhythm after 20 minutes but we missed what makes you successful at the top level - complete focus.
We certainly had a lot of the ball but ultimately we did not create much with that possession. It was an illusionary domination.
The attitude of my players has been excellent this season but Saturday was not at the level that we have produced until now. It was the first time this season that we were way below par.
Norwich were strong defensively, they were focused, committed and sharper than us. Now we have to put that performance behind us, realise that was not good enough and respond against Schalke on Wednesday.
I hope Saturday's result will have a positive impact on the squad. It was a shock to the system, but you have to give credit to Norwich as well. They played well, they were completely committed and they deserved the win.
The Premier League is the Premier League. If you are not ready for the fight then you will always have bad surprises.
Jack Wilshere was back in the squad for Saturday but I decided not to bring him on. We have to be conscious he has not played for 14 months. I would have brought him on if the game had allowed it but it was too intense. He will play on Monday with the under-21s and then we will see where we go from there.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did come on at Norwich but he got a kick on his hip almost straight away. He will be out for Wednesday but it is not a long-term problem. I don't think Kieran Gibbs or Theo Walcott will be ready to face Schalke either.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We gave a disappointing performance against Norwich on Saturday.
I felt that we lacked a bit of sharpness throughout the game. We tried to get into our rhythm after 20 minutes but we missed what makes you successful at the top level - complete focus.
We certainly had a lot of the ball but ultimately we did not create much with that possession. It was an illusionary domination.
The attitude of my players has been excellent this season but Saturday was not at the level that we have produced until now. It was the first time this season that we were way below par.
Norwich were strong defensively, they were focused, committed and sharper than us. Now we have to put that performance behind us, realise that was not good enough and respond against Schalke on Wednesday.
I hope Saturday's result will have a positive impact on the squad. It was a shock to the system, but you have to give credit to Norwich as well. They played well, they were completely committed and they deserved the win.
The Premier League is the Premier League. If you are not ready for the fight then you will always have bad surprises.
Jack Wilshere was back in the squad for Saturday but I decided not to bring him on. We have to be conscious he has not played for 14 months. I would have brought him on if the game had allowed it but it was too intense. He will play on Monday with the under-21s and then we will see where we go from there.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did come on at Norwich but he got a kick on his hip almost straight away. He will be out for Wednesday but it is not a long-term problem. I don't think Kieran Gibbs or Theo Walcott will be ready to face Schalke either.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Monday, October 8, 2012
2012-10-06: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Wenger: 'We passed an important test'
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We expected a difficult match at West Ham on Saturday and we were not disappointed.
It was a game with a lot of pace, where both teams went for it in different styles. It was a good test mentally as well, because we went 1-0 down to West Ham's first shot on goal.
But we came back, won the game and passed an important test of character.
Olivier Giroud deserved his goal and I thought he played well. He almost scored from a similar situation against Olympiacos and he showed once again that he has a physical presence up front. The goal will help him to adapt quickly. He slowly gets there and you're confident now that when he gets in front of goal he will score.
Santi Cazorla also scored and I think he was a delight to watch, from the first to the last minute. He is very influential in our team and it's fantastic to watch him play.
Theo Walcott was our other goalscorer and he has showed an outstanding attitude. I believe in him, otherwise I would not bring him on at a crucial time in the game. Gervinho looked a bit tired and Theo made the difference. He scored the second goal and that was the most important one.
The defence deserve credit as well because they coped well with Andy Carroll, even though you cannot completely control him for 90 minutes. You have to fight against him and be good on the second ball.
The problem with facing West Ham is not only Carroll, but also Kevin Nolan because he is quick to get on the second ball in the box. We could have been punished once or twice but overall we gave a lot at the back.
The result gives us good momentum going into the international break and it was important for us to respond well after our defeat against Chelsea. We won against Olympiacos on Wednesday night and we went for it against West Ham.
We knew a draw was not good enough and we gave absolutely everything to win the game.
We started the season with a lot of questions being raised about the team. We have now played seven games and the belief in the squad is that we have a chance to do well. Of course we now need to do it week after week, but the spirit and quality are there. It is all about how consistent we can be.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We expected a difficult match at West Ham on Saturday and we were not disappointed.
It was a game with a lot of pace, where both teams went for it in different styles. It was a good test mentally as well, because we went 1-0 down to West Ham's first shot on goal.
But we came back, won the game and passed an important test of character.
Olivier Giroud deserved his goal and I thought he played well. He almost scored from a similar situation against Olympiacos and he showed once again that he has a physical presence up front. The goal will help him to adapt quickly. He slowly gets there and you're confident now that when he gets in front of goal he will score.
Santi Cazorla also scored and I think he was a delight to watch, from the first to the last minute. He is very influential in our team and it's fantastic to watch him play.
Theo Walcott was our other goalscorer and he has showed an outstanding attitude. I believe in him, otherwise I would not bring him on at a crucial time in the game. Gervinho looked a bit tired and Theo made the difference. He scored the second goal and that was the most important one.
The defence deserve credit as well because they coped well with Andy Carroll, even though you cannot completely control him for 90 minutes. You have to fight against him and be good on the second ball.
The problem with facing West Ham is not only Carroll, but also Kevin Nolan because he is quick to get on the second ball in the box. We could have been punished once or twice but overall we gave a lot at the back.
The result gives us good momentum going into the international break and it was important for us to respond well after our defeat against Chelsea. We won against Olympiacos on Wednesday night and we went for it against West Ham.
We knew a draw was not good enough and we gave absolutely everything to win the game.
We started the season with a lot of questions being raised about the team. We have now played seven games and the belief in the squad is that we have a chance to do well. Of course we now need to do it week after week, but the spirit and quality are there. It is all about how consistent we can be.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
2012-09-29: Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
Wenger: 'I felt that we gave the game away'.
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We played against a good team on Saturday but I feel that we gave the game away.
Chelsea had three shots on target and scored two goals, from soft set-pieces. Defensively we were just not at the level you have to be in a game like that, and we were punished for it.
My players showed plenty of quality and spirit but we have to show personality and authority to ensure we do not concede goals in that manner.
We did not attack the ball on either goal and you could see that the main difference between ourselves and Chelsea was in the air. That made a difference.
In big games like this it is vital not to make mistakes because every time you are behind in a big game you have a 65 per cent chance to lose. We came back at Manchester City last week and did so again against Chelsea, but then straight away we gave away another goal.
After that you have to take risks and you open yourself up because you are playing against good players and they can hit you on the counter-attack.
We had our chances, with Olivier Giroud going close right at the end. It was a good opportunity and I have to say that Petr Cech kept Chelsea in the game at times - he was outstanding.
There could be an over-reaction to a defeat like this but we will deal with that. What is important is the personality you show in a big game. We were not at the right level in that respect.
We have another big game coming up against Olympiacos on Wednesday so let's focus on that now and get the right result. We have made a strong start in the Champions League and we want to keep that going.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Arsenal Ladies after they won the Women's Super League on Sunday. It is a tremendous achievement and they now have a chance to complete an unbeaten season next weekend.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We played against a good team on Saturday but I feel that we gave the game away.
Chelsea had three shots on target and scored two goals, from soft set-pieces. Defensively we were just not at the level you have to be in a game like that, and we were punished for it.
My players showed plenty of quality and spirit but we have to show personality and authority to ensure we do not concede goals in that manner.
We did not attack the ball on either goal and you could see that the main difference between ourselves and Chelsea was in the air. That made a difference.
In big games like this it is vital not to make mistakes because every time you are behind in a big game you have a 65 per cent chance to lose. We came back at Manchester City last week and did so again against Chelsea, but then straight away we gave away another goal.
After that you have to take risks and you open yourself up because you are playing against good players and they can hit you on the counter-attack.
We had our chances, with Olivier Giroud going close right at the end. It was a good opportunity and I have to say that Petr Cech kept Chelsea in the game at times - he was outstanding.
There could be an over-reaction to a defeat like this but we will deal with that. What is important is the personality you show in a big game. We were not at the right level in that respect.
We have another big game coming up against Olympiacos on Wednesday so let's focus on that now and get the right result. We have made a strong start in the Champions League and we want to keep that going.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Arsenal Ladies after they won the Women's Super League on Sunday. It is a tremendous achievement and they now have a chance to complete an unbeaten season next weekend.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
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