No leader for sloppy Arsenal
ARSENal played the second half of Sunday’s 2- 2 draw at home to Manchester City without a captain. The Gunners lost laurent Koscielny to injury at half-time at the Emirates and no one appeared to take the armband, in breach of Premier league rules.
Manager arsene Wenger, asked about the incident yesterday, did not know who had led the team after the interval.
‘I don’t remember,’ said Wenger, whose team have been accused of lacking leadership during a troubled campaign. Wenger also admitted he did not know who who would captain the side against West Ham tonight, saying: ‘It is a good question. Nobody asked me who is captain. I will have 24 hours to think about that.’
The league are likely to remind arsenal of their responsibilities but take the matter no further.
Meanwhile, the club are finally ready to discuss contract extensions for their home-grown contingent, including Jack Wilshere.
Wilshere, on loan at Bournemouth, Kieran Gibbs and alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are on deals that expire at the end of next season.
Goalkeeper David Ospina is a doubt for tonight’s clash after suffering a dead leg against City. Petr Cech is out, meaning third choice keeper Emiliano Martinez, 24, could play.
Wenger criticised supporters after they turned up outside the club’s training ground yesterday calling for him to leave the club.
‘It is three guys,’ Wenger said of the dissenters at london Colney. ‘Honestly. Why should I waste energy on that? It is good that they can waste their day.’
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has said the club will offer Michail antonio an improved deal.
‘He wants to stay,’ said Bilic.