Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Arsenal put their dukes up as Wenger looks over his shoulder
Frustrated Koscielny laments the fragile confidence within team
MIDFIELDER Mesut Ozil says Arsenal have a fight on their hands to overtake Leicester City at the top of the standings and win the Premier League after exiting two cup competitions in the space of four days.
The Gunners were beaten in the FA Cup by Watford last Sunday and lost 3-1 at Barcelona on Wednesday last three outings to go alongside their dispiriting losses to Barca and Watford.
“We haven’t been fighting like we did in the last six months because we lost a little confidence in ourselves and it is harder to win some games,” he said.
“We need to come back to our basics, be simple and then the confidence will come back.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini will miss today’s league match against Everton and Santi Cazorla’s return from a knee problem has been delayed, Wenger said yesterday.
Flamini was forced off during Wednesday’s defeat at the Nou Camp, while Cazorla, who was expected to return after the international break, has not played since the end of November.
“Cazorla’s knee is perfect but he has a little Achilles problem. That has slowed him down. Had he not had that problem he would be available now,” Wenger said.
“Mathieu picked up a hamstring injury against Barcelona.”
Wenger said the Gunners were looking over their shoulders at the sides below them after failing to win any of their last three league games.
Fifth-placed West Ham United are three points behind Arsenal, with Manchester United two further back.
“It’s very tight,” Wenger said. “I believe the Premier League is far from over. We have to look behind us because things can change very quickly. I’m conscious of our position, even where we are now is not secure.”
Wenger described today’s game against Everton as hugely significant, and admitted that a defeat would all but kill off his team’s title hopes.
“A negative result would be very bad for us. Now is the time for us to produce the result we need,” the Frenchman added.
● Sunderland’s new signing Emmanuel Eboue has picked up a hamstring injury ahead of tomorrow’s north- east derby against Newcastle United, manager Sam Allardyce said.
Forward Duncan Watmore will also miss the game at St James’ Park with an ankle injury.
“All players wherever they come from are well aware of derbies. This one is as big as any in the country,” Allardyce said yesterday.
“To control the players emotions is one of the most important things I need to do.”
Sunderland are hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference while Newcastle are a point and two places below them, in 19th in the 20-team league.
The Black Cats have won their last six Premier League meetings against their rivals and Allardyce is determined to keep that streak going.
“The only way you can enjoy a derby is if you win it,” he said. “We have got to get our players ready for battle and hopefully we can win the battle.” – Reuters