04 November 2008

Wenger - We'll answer our critics in time


Arsène Wenger hopes he can serve Arsenal’s critics a sizeable slice of humble pie soon.

The Frenchman saw his side drop five Premier League points last week by drawing with Tottenham on Wednesday and then losing to Stoke over the weekend.

It has heralded a spate of negative headlines in the media but Wenger knows the football world revolves quickly. His side may be fourth in the table right now but they have plenty of time to turnaround both their situation and public opinion.

"Let's re-establish what we have not done well recently, defend together as a team and continue to play in a positive way,” he said at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the Fenerbahce game.

“The same people who say we are not good, let them say it in three weeks when we are the best.

“We want to be guided by the way we want to play football, our spirit and not to go over-board. We lost a game but we are six points behind the leaders. It is the start of November and we have plenty of quality to get it back.”

Gallas, Walcott, Adebayor out for Fenerbahce


Arsenal have lost two more first-team stars for the Champions League tie against Fenerbahce on Wednesday.

Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) picked up knocks during the defeat at Stoke on Saturday. They joined William Gallas on the injury list after the captain damaged a hamstring against Tottenham.

At least Bacary Sagna has recovered after hobbling off at the Britannia Stadium but Emmanuel Eboue (knee) is still missing along with long-term absentees Eduardo (ankle) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

The only one of those likely to return for Manchester United on Saturday is Walcott, though Gallas has a chance too.

"[Walcott, Adebayor and Gallas] are all injured,” said Wenger at Tuesday’s press conference. “It is not more serious than that. Gallas and Walcott are short-term but Adebayor is a bit longer, Eboue as well.”

When asked who might return for the crucial weekend clash with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, Wenger replied: “Gallas and especially Walcott.”

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