Victory perfect tonic for Bayern test, says Wenger
LONDON: Arsene Wenger believes his side’s 3-0 win at Watford on Saturday is perfect preparation for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich.
The Gunners have yet to pick a up single point in European competition following defeats by Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos this season. But they are going well in the Premier League, with Saturday’s victory, courtesy of goals from Alexis Sanchez, substitute Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey, lifting them back into second spot.
“For me the important game was today,” Wenger said. “Because I knew that first of all that to win today was vital to stay in touch with the top teams. Secondly, the best way for us to prepare for Tuesday night was to win the game today.”
‘HAZARD AXED TO IMPROVE DEFENCE’ LONDON: Jose Mourinho said defensive reasons caused him to leave Eden Hazard out of Chelsea’s starting line-up as the Premier League champions returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa.
“I left out Hazard because we are conceding lots of goals. We need to defend better,” said Mourinho. “We need our midfielders to be just worried in the central area of the pitch, not worrying about compensation on the left or right.
“Playing with Willian and Pedro, the midfielders don’t have to move left or right. They know those parts are controlled. Pedro and Willian did amazing work and allowed the midfielders to be very comfortable. It was a tactical decision.”
STERLING CAN BE CITY PROVIDER: PELLEGRINI MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Raheem Sterling can be more prolific for his new employers than he was for former club Liverpool.
Sterling scored the first On Sunday Newcastle 6 Wijnaldum 14, 26, 66, 85 Perez 33 Mitrovic 64 Arsenal 3 Sanchez 62 Giroud 68 Ramsey 74
Norwich 2 Mbokani 20 Redmond 34
hat-trick of his senior career as City beat Bournemouth 5-1 on Saturday to stay top of the Premier League, and Pellegrini praised the England forward for his contribution.
Moved into a central role in the absence of the injured Sergio Aguero, Sterling took his goal tally for City to five and Pellegrini thinks he can go well beyond the 11 goals he mustered for Liverpool last season.
“I think it was important for Raheem to score three goals,” said the Chilean.