English Premier League: Arsene thinks derby will be a good test
Arsenal’s manager has come out before his team’s clash with their London rivals, Tottenham in the carling cup and challenged his starting eleven for the match to silence the crowd at White Hart Lane. Arsenal, who have had a barren
run as far as trophies are concerned, will be looking to win some silverware this season and a Carling Cup triumph will satisfy their hopes of ending the five year trophy drought with an emphatic statement of intent.
It is expected that Wenger will start some of his young fringe players against Tottenham whose manager, Harry Redknapp will also consider making some changes to his line-up for the match considering the fact that Spurs are now participating
in the UEFA Champions League. For Arsenal, Fabianski, Johan Djourou, Eboue and Gibbs along with the Mexican striker, Carlos Vela are all likely to start the match against Spurs. It is also anticipated that Emmanuel-Thomas, Chuks Aneke, Benik Afobe and Henri
Lansbury will also feature for the Gunners in their match against Tottenham at the White Hart Lane.
Arsenal versus Tottenham encounters are always feisty ones as both teams fight for the right to be the dominant force in the Northern side of London, which is England’s capital city. A rich history to this tie will add to the flavour.
Wenger commented on the derby and its history by talking to Arsenal’s official T.V channel. He said that, the derby has always got something extra to it. Arsene added that, it is always good because managers can judge players who effectively by observing how
they react and respond to the environment and the challenge that is posed in a derby match of this magnitude.
Wenger admitted that he wants to win the Carling Cup but also stressed that before talking about winning the competition itself, his team should focus on what will happen on Wednesday night against Tottenham. Arsene said that, Arsenal
need to continue their good run of form which they have had since the start of the season. Arsenal are currently unbeaten in their start to the English Premier League but they drew their last game at Sunderland after conceding a late penalty kick from Darren
Bent.
Talking about the draw against Sunderland, Arsene said that he believes that his team could have prevented that goal from being scored because it was down to them and not the referee. He further added that, Arsenal had more chances
to win the game rather than lose it. He urged his players to keep up their winning habits. Emmanuel-Thomas, who was on loan last season from Arsenal to the likes of Doncaster and Blackpool, is a favourite to start at the White Hart Lane after gaining some
valuable first team experience last season due to his loan spells.
Wenger also spoke about the 19-year old who is more affectionately known as Jay at Arsenal. Arsene said that Jay has class that allows him to pass the ball and to finish off moves as well. He said that Emmanuel-Thomas can play against
any team and score goals such is his quality but the Arsenal manager said that the young Englishman will have to earn his place in the team first by grabbing any chances he is given to impress.
Vela is another Arsenal player which the Frenchman praised by saying that Carlos showed by netting two goals against Braga in Arsenal’s Champions League opener that he was ready to carry the responsibility of being the club’s main
striker and dealing with the pressure that comes with it. Wenger said that Vela has matured over the past season and his attitude has changed a lot too. It was difficult for the Mexican speedster last season as he rarely got sight of the Arsenal first team.
A derby win for Arsenal will be a huge boost for the Gunners, who lost their captain Cesc Fabregas to injury in their draw against Sunderland. In the a period of two weeks, Arsenal play Chelsea in the English Premier League, a match
that might as well decide the course of their season.
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