Wenger to Sanogo’s defence
Leicester, Sept. 1: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted Yaya Sanogo’s struggles in front of goal are becoming an increasing problem, but refused to offer any guarantees he will delve into the transfer market for a new striker. Sanogo, yet to score in any of his 17 competitive outings since his arrival from Auxerre last year following Sunday’s 1- 1 draw with Leicester, provided little evidence to suggest he is a ready- made replacement for the injured Olivier Giroud.
“When you are 21 and play up front and don’t score it is very quickly a problem,” said Wenger.
“I don’t think that prob- lem will last very long but when you have the chance to play for Arsenal and you don’t score it is a problem.
“He tried very hard. You can say he didn’t score, yes. Is it on his mind? Of course. He is a striker and scored many goals as a young player.”
One potential solution is no longer available after Loic Remy completed a switch to rivals Chelsea from QPR on Sunday.
But Wenger has refused to raise hopes that he is about to repeat last year’s significant spending on deadlineday, when Mesut Ozil was recruited for £ 42.5 million.
“The solution ( for the fans) every time you don’t win a game is to buy somebody,” he said. “They have to trust us to buy the best possible solution.
“Why did Manchester City not beat Stoke? They have plenty of strikers. Football is a team sport, not an individual one.
“I don’t like to promise what 100 per cent doesn’t only depend on me. We can talk and talk. Even if we sign someone or not could we win today ( Sunday) without anybody? Yes.”
Within two minutes Leonardo Ulloa cancelled out Alexis Sanchez’s first EPL goal and the Foxes were good value for their point on what proved a frustrating afternoon for Wenger, whose side remain unbeaten on five points but lost ground at the top of the table.