English Premier League: Arsenal look to bounce back against Swansea
North Londoners face Welsh side after European collapse
SWANSEA:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side will make an immediate recovery from their European meltdown when they return to Premier League action on Sunday at Swansea.
Wenger's side squandered a three-goal lead in the final 29 minutes against Belgians Anderlecht on Tuesday to draw 3-3.
The woeful collapse once again exposed the soft underbelly of Arsenal's defence but the Gunners boss says his team's morale has not been affected by either the result or the criticism that followed, and is confident of returning to winning ways at the Liberty Stadium.
"We can learn a lot from what happened on Tuesday,” added the Frenchman. “We had special incidents. Some things we can correct, like the second and third goals. We are very positive inside the camp. When we do not win, we are not happy. The rest we can live with."
Wenger also called for caution over Theo Walcott and has promised to ease him back into the side after his lengthy injury layoff. "In our job, every time you have a big injury, there is a chance of having another," said Wenger.
Martinez happy with improved defence
Everton manager Roberto Martinez claims his defence has finally regained its solidity after a difficult start to the season.
Martinez's side face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light having kept four clean sheets in their last five matches in all competitions.
“We have conceded just one goal in five games,” said Martinez. “We looked a little bit soft in that department which was not normal in our play and cost us a few points, so it is good to get back to our high standards.”
Sunday's fixtures
Sunderland v Everton
Tottenham v Stoke
West Brom v Newcastle
Swansea v Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side will make an immediate recovery from their European meltdown when they return to Premier League action on Sunday at Swansea.
Wenger's side squandered a three-goal lead in the final 29 minutes against Belgians Anderlecht on Tuesday to draw 3-3.
The woeful collapse once again exposed the soft underbelly of Arsenal's defence but the Gunners boss says his team's morale has not been affected by either the result or the criticism that followed, and is confident of returning to winning ways at the Liberty Stadium.
"We can learn a lot from what happened on Tuesday,” added the Frenchman. “We had special incidents. Some things we can correct, like the second and third goals. We are very positive inside the camp. When we do not win, we are not happy. The rest we can live with."
Wenger also called for caution over Theo Walcott and has promised to ease him back into the side after his lengthy injury layoff. "In our job, every time you have a big injury, there is a chance of having another," said Wenger.
Martinez happy with improved defence
Everton manager Roberto Martinez claims his defence has finally regained its solidity after a difficult start to the season.
Martinez's side face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light having kept four clean sheets in their last five matches in all competitions.
“We have conceded just one goal in five games,” said Martinez. “We looked a little bit soft in that department which was not normal in our play and cost us a few points, so it is good to get back to our high standards.”
Sunday's fixtures
Sunderland v Everton
Tottenham v Stoke
West Brom v Newcastle
Swansea v Arsenal