Wenger: We just have to want it more than Blues
ARSENE WENGER has told his players to forget their away-day blues; tomorrow’s clash at Chelsea is a measure of just how much they “want it”. After back-toback wins against Bournemouth and Cologne, the mood has improved at Arsenal. But a trip to face Antonio Conte’s side will be the “acid test”. The Gunners have lost each of their last six visits to Stamford Bridge and Wenger has admitted to his side suffering a “problem of confidence” since the end of last year when it comes to games on their travels. But enough is enough. “Last year, until we lost at Everton, we had not lost
away from home for nearly a year,” said Wenger. “But after that, we lost at Manchester City and it gave us a problem of confidence away from home.
“But I don’t really believe in that. The pitch is 105 metres long and 68 metres wide everywhere. Never could I accept that it’s different away from home.
“It’s just a question of how much you want it.”
Since that loss at Everton on December 13, Arsenal have picked up only 13 points from their 14 away games. Over the same period Chelsea have 32 points on their travels.
If the Gunners lose again tomorrow, it would mean starting a campaign with three successive away losses for the first time since 1954.
More specifically is the fact that Arsenal have won just three of their last 26 away games against the so-called ‘Big Six’. “Is this an acid test? Yes, of course,” Wenger said. “I also believe it was important to win the game before, important to beat Bournemouth, important you know you can win the big games.”
Thursday’s late-night finish will have done little to help preparations, but even though Chelsea were done and dusted with their own European travails on Tuesday, manager Antonio Conte is carrying the aftereffects. “I have a sore throat, but I hope to solve this. Otherwise it will be a problem for me,” he said. “I’m taking antibiotics.
“In this case, I think the air conditioner was stronger than my Italian throat sweets. In my office, when I arrive I turn off the air condition. But when you stay on the bus, I risk a lot, because I suffer from air conditioning.”
At least Conte’s players could be spared an earbashing.