Wenger looking for Gunners to rebound
london — Arsenal demonstrated their powers of recovery midweek but Arsene Wenger knows a greater test lies ahead when they return to Premier League action at Southampton on Sunday.
Wenger and his players were left crushed following last weekend’s home defeat by Manchester United when they dominated periods of the game, producing 33 shots on goal, only to see Jose Mourinho’s team run out 3-1 winners.
A much changed line-up put that result behind them when the Gunners wrapped up their Europa League group-stage campaign with a 6-0 home victory over BATE Borisov with Jack Wilshere in particular pressing his claims for more Premier league action.
The meeting with Mauricio Pellegrino’s Saints side, however, is more significant than a dead rubber in Europe — Wenger’s side had already qualified for the knockout stage before the meeting with BATE — with the Gunners desperate to force their way back into the top four.
Wenger has been impressed with the way his side have fought back after trailing in a number of games this season and similar qualities will be required at St Mary’s Stadium.
“It’s down to the attitude of the players, the team mentality and I must say the united spirit the players have shown,” said Wenger.
“That’s the quality that will be needed until the end of the season because we play in the Premier League where you have to be focused in every single game.” —