Arsene Wenger can see the progress in action as he watches on the bench alongside assistant manager Steve Bould and physio Colin Lewin 

Published: 21 August, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has admitted that his summer signings are not quite on the same wavelength as their new team-mates yet – but has warned rivals that it is only a matter of time. 

The Gunners added to their firepower up front by bringing in Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, while right-back Mathieu Debuchy and versatile youngster Calum Chambers were also brought in to add some much needed strength in depth to the squad. 

All three have impressed during the first two games of the season, a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday and Wednesday’s 0-0 draw against Besiktas in the Champions League, but Wenger says his new recruits need more time before they show what they can really do. “Technically the performance could have been better but their never-give-up attitude was fantastic,” said the Gunners’ boss. “It’s normal, with the pre-season preparation we had, that we have some co-ordination problems, but overall I’m very happy with the attitude of the team. 

“There was some misunderstanding in our passing but I felt at the back Debuchy and Chambers have played very well, they have been really controlled. Alexis had good spells but he has to improve the understanding with his partners. The three of them have been very satisfying.” 

Meanwhile Arsenal are facing an all or nothing tie against Turkish side Besiktas in the second-leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday. Chambers played his part in helping the north Londoners secure a goalless draw in Tuesday’s first-leg, especially after Aaron Ramsey was sent off for two bookable offences. 

Chambers, who joined from Southampton in a deal believed to be around £16million, said he’s already settled in at the Emirates. “It’s with the help from everyone at the club and the players and staff who have welcomed me that I’ve settle in so quickly.

“The Champions League game was a fantastic experience for me, to play at a stadium like that and in front of a crowd like that. All the boys put in such a good effort and I think we deserved a 0-0, if not more. 

“At this level you’ve just got to stay switched on the whole time and stay focused for 90 minutes. At any time they can create chances and score. 

“It’s another good experience for me playing against players of such quality.”