Arsene Wenger has called for full focus as title-chasing
Arsenal seek to avoid another slip-up at Stoke City this weekend.
The Britannia Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground
for Wenger, who has overseen only one win in five Premier League trips to
Stoke.
However, the Frenchman is hopeful his side can claim
three points this weekend as they look to stay close to leaders Chelsea.
"Stoke is a big game for us," Wenger said on
Thursday. "We have to focus on our results because we are in a period
where we have to push on.
"We've had two days off and sometimes it's not only
physical but mental tiredness (that players need to recover from).
"We had some bad memories from Stoke but we had some
good memories as well - it's just down to our performance of the day.
"Stoke always had good players. Let's not forget
they qualified for the Europa League (in 2011).
"I honestly think the Premier League is the most
difficult in the world because it's the only league that has good teams from
one to 20.
"(Stoke manager) Mark Hughes has a big experience in
the Premier League and has shown he can do well."
Wenger confirmed that Mesut Ozil will be involved at
Stoke after missing the game at Sunderland that followed his penalty miss
against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Thomas Vermaelen could be asked to fill in at left-back
should Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs be ruled out.
Wenger added: "Vermaelen and Ozil are back in the
squad, (but) we have doubts over Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs.
"Ozil had a difficult game (against Bayern) and
sometimes it's good to refresh when you are under pressure."
Culled from Soccerway
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