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Stoke City v Arsenal - Preview
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Stoke City v Arsenal
Arsène Wenger
THE QUOTE
“It’s always a very heated and committed game.
We want to prepare for that but at the end of the
day it’s the quality of the football that has to
make the difference.”
THE SET-UP
Three wins and three clean sheets has done
much for Arsenal’s state of mind before the
perennially tough trip to Stoke.
The perception may be that the industry and
inspiration of Alexis is carrying Arsène Wenger’s
men right now but, in fact, the key change has
been the solidity of the backline. Laurent
Koscielny ’s return has been a major factor. But
the Frenchman is doubtful for Saturday’s game
following 180 intense minutes this week - his
first games for almost two months.
Nacho Monreal , the quiet yeoman who covered
much of Koscielny’s absence, is also out so
Kieran Gibbs will return at left back. Emi
Martinez has proved an excellent deputy for
Wojciech Szczesny but he is still young. So
Arsenal’s key area of improvement has had more
changes going into a game that, in the past, has
had the potential to derail them.
ARSENAL
Change is good sometimes. Like when you are
trying to break down a tough and talented
Southampton side at Emirates Stadium. Alexis
got the goal with minutes left but Arsenal had
been flagging somewhat before the introduction
of Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski from the
bench.
Returning players have given the manager
options once again and that is crucial when so
many games are decided upon the impetus of
those introduced late on.
“Offensively, we have many options and of course
that helps in games that are very tight,” said
Wenger. “Most of the time, [substitutions] are
about how far you can unbalance the team. That
means you take a gamble but without really
committing suicide.
“There's a fine line. Sometimes you have to
completely go for it because you are in a
desperate situation. When the game is very tight,
it's important to keep the balance and add
something offensively. When the players that
come on are very strong like Podolski and
Giroud, of course, they have a huge impact. And
that helps.”
Koscielny may be missing this time but his
return has been massive. Gibbs comes back this
weekend. With Szczesny and Mathieu Debuchy
close as well, more difference-makers will be in
the squad soon.
THE OPPOSITION
Stoke finished in a solid, safe ninth place last
season under Mark Hughes and have started this
term in a similar style. Arsenal’s record at the
Britannia is W1 D3 L4 in all competitions.
Outside the traditional top six sides, it is one of
their toughest trips of the year.
“Mark Hughes has done very well because Tony
Pulis had done an exceptional job,” said Wenger.
“They are stable now in the Premier League.
They are always in between sixth and 12th and
that’s a big task.
“It’s always a very heated and committed game
when we go there. We want to prepare for that
but at the end of the day it’s the quality of the
football that has to make the difference. We have
to prepare to be committed 100 per cent without
forgetting the way we want to play football.”
Hughes sprang a surprise in the summer by
signing Bojan Krkic from Barcelona. It was
rumoured the Spaniard scored 900 goals for
various youth sides after joining La Masia at
eight. He played 100 times for the Catalan
giants as well as compiling a CV that includes
Roma, Milan and Ajax.
“He was a massive talent, one of the promising
players at Barcelona they signed at a very young
age. He’s a creative player who can deliver a
final ball and make a difference individually. He
adds creativity to their team.”
Arsenal have been warned.
SUMMING UP
A win at Stoke could well leave Wenger’s men
back in the Champions League places by the end
of the weekend. Meanwhile four straight wins
would constitute the 'run' they have been
searching for throughout the campaign.
Over the years, the game at the Britannia
Stadium has become a measuring stick for
certain factors Wenger’s men require for success
- bottle, battle and stoicism.
This time it means all that and just a little bit
more.

http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/stoke-city-v-arsenal-preview

Stoke 1-1 Arsenal