Wenger waits to discover Arsenal’s title potential
Manager cautious about team’s high expectations in Premier League.
“We are top of the table, in a very strong position, but at the end of November will give a much clearer indication of where everyone lies,” says Wenger. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s true standing among the Premier League title contenders will become clearer at the end of November.
Wenger’s side will attempt to consolidate their standing as the early leaders, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, when they face Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium today.
The disappointment of the opening day defeat to Aston Villa has long been forgotten with the Gunners making impressive headway.
“We are top of the table, in a very strong position, but at the end of November will give a much clearer indication of where everyone lies,” he said. “I am confident that at the end of May we will all be happy.”
Wenger also confirmed the midfielder Mesut Ozil is expected to be fit despite picking up a knock on international duty this week.
“He is alright,” added Wenger. “He came back with a knock on the knee, but it was just a kick.”
United face test from surprising Saints
Manchester United host Southampton today with David Moyes’s side desperate to claw back ground in the Premier League title race.
United have lost three of their first seven league games under Moyes but came from behind to win 2-1 at Sunderland just before the international break.
Moyes’s predecessor Alex Ferguson stressed the need for patience as the Scot comes to terms with his new job and is adamant that, despite sitting six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, there is plenty of time to get back on track.
Terry struggled with ‘self-esteem’: Mourinho
Jose Mourinho feared John Terry’s career was on the way down, but the Chelsea manager believes his star defender is now back to his best after a loss of ‘self-esteem’.
Mourinho is confident Terry has moved on from the succession of problems on and off the pitch.
“He’s recovering his self-esteem,” he said. “With what he did at Chelsea in the last decade, I think he deserves to be back on track.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2013.
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s true standing among the Premier League title contenders will become clearer at the end of November.
Wenger’s side will attempt to consolidate their standing as the early leaders, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, when they face Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium today.
The disappointment of the opening day defeat to Aston Villa has long been forgotten with the Gunners making impressive headway.
“We are top of the table, in a very strong position, but at the end of November will give a much clearer indication of where everyone lies,” he said. “I am confident that at the end of May we will all be happy.”
Wenger also confirmed the midfielder Mesut Ozil is expected to be fit despite picking up a knock on international duty this week.
“He is alright,” added Wenger. “He came back with a knock on the knee, but it was just a kick.”
United face test from surprising Saints
Manchester United host Southampton today with David Moyes’s side desperate to claw back ground in the Premier League title race.
United have lost three of their first seven league games under Moyes but came from behind to win 2-1 at Sunderland just before the international break.
Moyes’s predecessor Alex Ferguson stressed the need for patience as the Scot comes to terms with his new job and is adamant that, despite sitting six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, there is plenty of time to get back on track.
Terry struggled with ‘self-esteem’: Mourinho
Jose Mourinho feared John Terry’s career was on the way down, but the Chelsea manager believes his star defender is now back to his best after a loss of ‘self-esteem’.
Mourinho is confident Terry has moved on from the succession of problems on and off the pitch.
“He’s recovering his self-esteem,” he said. “With what he did at Chelsea in the last decade, I think he deserves to be back on track.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2013.