Wenger admits tougher tests are still to come
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that his table-topping side have enjoyed a relatively easy start to the season, yet now face a crunch period of tough games starting with Chelsea in the Capital One Cup tomorrow night.
Following their clash with the Blues, Arsenal then face Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United over a nine-day period, before returning from November’s international break to face a high-flying Southampton side that has only conceded three goals in the Premier League this season.
“The advantage, or disadvantage, is that some teams had heavier fixtures than we had until now,” Wenger said, following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.
French international Olivier Giroud netted his eighth goal of the season at Selhurst Park, and Wenger feels the forward’s all-round game has benefited from the arrival of star creative midfielder Mesut Ozil.
“The fact that he plays with top players, they put a pressure on you to take care of every pass because if you don’t do that with Ozil, Jack Wilshere and all that – they let you know!” Wenger said. “And if he keeps working like [he did against Palace], he will improve again.”