Wenger irked by week’s gruelling schedule
Lacazette’s double sees off West Brom ahead of Arsenal’s Europa test
Arsene Wenger has criticised the gruelling schedule that forces Arsenal to play three games in the space of just seven days.
Wenger’s side eased to a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Monday thanks to Alexandre Lacazette’s brace at the Emirates Stadium in London.
But Wenger and his players had little time to reflect on that success before they board a flight to Belarus for tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Bate Borisov.
Once that draining trip is out of the way, Arsenal have been given only 48 hours to recover before they are due to host Brighton in another important Premier League fixture early on Sunday afternoon.
Effect on players
Wenger is frustrated by the way the Premier League fixture planners give in to the demands of television broadcasters without considering the effect it has on players.
Asked if he would field a weaker team against Borisov in Europe’s second-tier tournament, Wenger said: “I have a decision to make. At the moment I would say the schedule for us is a bit cruel.
“We play Monday night, we play in Borisov on Thursday, and we play Sunday morning.
“We have to accept it, but I will go with a team of senior players and certainly a young bench.
“There’s no need to talk to Veteran midfielder Gareth Barry broke former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs’ English Premier League (EPL) appearance record when he played in West Bromwich Albion’s 0-2 loss to capital football club Arsenal.
The 36-year-old was on Monday made West Brom captain in honour of his 633rd EPL match, one more than Giggs, who played all his career in Manchester United. The match was Barry’s 601st start in the EPL, which is also a record.
“It’s obviously a nice moment,” Barry said. “I’m very proud to reach this number but like anything I try to put it to the back of my mind and concentrate on the game of football.” the Premier League because it is television who decides.
“For the team selection has an impact.”
In the midst of such a busy week, Wenger was relieved to see off obdurate Albion, who could have taken the lead but had an early penalty appeal not given before Lacazette opened the scoring with a 20th-minute header.
Lacazette doubled Arsenal’s lead with a second-half penalty awarded for Allan Nyom’s foul on Aaron Ramsey.
With four goals since his close-season move from Lyon, the France striker is starting to repay his hefty price tag.
“He’s not only a goal scorer, his link up play is good, he fights as well,” Wenger said. it