Cementing top spot: Arsenal’s grit pleases Wenger

Gunners go clear at the top with 1-0 victory over Newcastle despite being well below par

LONDON: Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal’s grit and determination as they moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League with a tense 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

After watching Laurent Koscielny’s 72nd-minute strike secure three points at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Wenger said winning ugly will help his players believe they can do so again if they are unable to overwhelm an opponent with their attacking play.

“It was a difficult game against a good Newcastle side,” said the Gunners boss. “Our legs were a bit heavy and we were tested against a team with a lot of good technical quality.”



Wenger admit Arsenal were not at their best. “Our fluency and our movement were not there,” he said. “From then on it was: Let’s stick together and try to win the game however we can. The mental aspect of our team was tested and our defensive solidity more than our ability going forward.”

The Frenchman also admitted his opponents were unlucky to end the game empty-handed. “If you’re in Newcastle’s place you’re sorry for them because they played very well,” he said.

A valuable element of Arsenal’s resilience was the reliability of goalkeeper Petr Cech, who made two excellent saves from Georginio Wijnaldum either side of half-time to ensure that Arsenal go outright top after Leicester drew 0-0 to Bournemouth. “He made two big saves, one in the first half and one at the beginning of the second and on top of that he stays calm, never panics and today we needed that,” said Wenger.



City will only improve, warns Pellegrini

Manager Manuel Pellegrini sent a warning out to Premier League rivals that Manchester City are ready to hit top gear in the title race after ending their away-day misery at Watford.

Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero earned a 2-1 comeback win as City won on the road for the first time since September 12.

Despite their problems, Pellegrini’s side remain just three points off leaders Arsenal.



And Pellegrini said: “We are returning to our form by recovering important players and once they are fully fit, the team will improve every game.”

Star striker Aguero has been struggling with injuries all season but took his tally to double figures with his late winner. “He is a big player for us. He has just come back so he will improve with games,” added Pellegrini. “I’m so happy to be in all competitions despite all the injuries we’ve had.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2016.

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