Packed schedule wearies Wenger
LONDON — Arsene Wenger has criticized the busy schedule that is forcing Arsenal to play three games in seven days this week.
Wenger’s side eased to a 2-0 Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday, thanks to Alexandre Lacazette’s brace at Emirates Stadium in London.
But Wenger and his players have little time to reflect on that success before they board a flight to Belarus for Thursday’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.
Once that trip is out of the way, the Gunners have only 48 hours to recover before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion in in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Wenger is frustrated by the way the league’s schedulers give in to the demands of television broadcasters without considering the impact it has on players.
Asked if he would field a weaker team against Borisov in Europe’s second-tier tournament, Wenger said: “I have a decision to make. At the moment I would say the schedule for us is a bit cruel.
“We play on Monday night, we play in Borisov on Thursday, and we play on Sunday afternoon.
“We have to accept it, but I will go with a team of senior players and certainly a young bench.
“There’s no need to talk to the Premier League because it is television that decides.
“For the team selection it has an impact.”
In the midst of such a hectic week, Wenger was relieved to see off obdurate West Brom, which had an early penalty appeal declined before Lacazette opened the scoring with a 20th-minute header.
Lacazette doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a second-half spot-kick awarded for Allan Nyom’s foul on Aaron Ramsey.
With four goals since his summer move from Lyon, the France striker is starting to repay his hefty price tag.
“He’s not only a goal scorer, his link-up play is good, he fights as well,” Wenger said.
“He’s not fazed by the physical challenges West Brom gave us. Overall he adapts very well.”
The turning point in the match was referee Bobby Madley’s first-half decision not to award a penalty when Gunners defender Shkodran Mustafi took down Jay Rodriguez.
Instead of staying on the ground, striker Rodriguez continued playing but his shot was tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Even Wenger conceded the Gunners were fortunate.
“The referee gave the advantage but the decision is defendable from both sides. It could have been a penalty,” the Frenchman said.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis was livid with the decision.
“Obviously we believe it’s a penalty, but we haven’t had a penalty for over a year,” Pulis complained. “Facts are facts. The great thing is that everybody has seen it.
“He still wanted to score but once he has missed the referee should pull it back.
“It could be a penalty and they could have a player sent off, so we not only score but are against a team down to 10 players.”
Having enjoyed that stroke of luck, Arsenal eventually eased to a win that extended its unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions since its thrashing at Liverpool.
Wenger believes turning Emirates Stadium into a fortress is vital for his team’s title chances.
“What is important is we are strong at home,” he said.
“We have played three difficult away games. It’s important to keep our home strength. We will make results away.”