Arsenal v Stoke: Ars Wenger urges his side to claim vital victory and stay in touch with Manchester United
Arsène Wenger admits Arsenal's chances of winning the league for the first time in seven years could hinge on tonight's crucial game against Stoke.
Keep it going: Arsenal manager Ars Wenger is desperate to see his side keep their unbeaten run going in the Premier League to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United Photo: EPA
By Telegraph staff and agencies 10:45AM GMT 23 Feb 2011
Arsenal appeared to be out of the title race when they lost to Manchester United in December, but a run of nine league matches unbeaten has seen the Londoners drag themselves back into the reckoning.
Wenger's side could reduce the gap between themselves and leaders United to just one point with a victory tonight and the Frenchman has called on his squad to secure what he believes could be a decisive win in the title race.
"This is a very important one for us," Wenger said. "The best way to win the Premier League is to win the game. It is only that which is important.
"If you want to keep in touch with Manchester United, which we want more than anything, this game is vital.
"We have given so much in the Premier League, we have gone through so many difficult periods and have come back with such resilience."
Wenger will be without in-form striker Robin van Persie (hamstring) and defender Laurent Koscielny (back) tonight, but hopes the duo will be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final against Birmingham.
Losing Van Persie is a big blow for the Gunners as he has scored five times in his last three matches, but Wenger hopes that Andrei Arshavin can weigh in with a few goals in the Dutchman's absence.
Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed that Aaron Ramsey will return to Arsenal when his loan spell at Cardiff ends this weekend, despite manager Dave Jones' attempts to keep the midfielder until the end of the season.
"I intend to use him," Wenger said. "I have had good reports from Cardiff. He could be available for the second game against Leyton Orient on Wednesday."
Telegraph.feedsportal.com
No comments:
Post a Comment