Arsene Wenger: ‘Leicester are a strong side but we are also a strong side. At home with our fans and support, we can do it’

Published: 11 February, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger is backing his Arsenal boys to get the better of title “favourites” Leicester City when the two teams meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. 

Wenger’s team will be looking to cut Leicester’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just two points on Valentine’s Day. And with fellow title rivals Manchester City hosting Tottenham, it would be a massive weekend to get three points. 

Goals from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw the Gunners get their title charge back on track on Sunday with a 2-0 win at Bournemouth, a result Wenger feels came at just the right time. 

“Beating Bournemouth was very good for the future as we now have a very big game at home against Leicester, who are the favourites for the Premier League,” he told Arsenal Player. 

“A win, of course, puts you in a better state for the next game,” he suggested. “We have had a week to prepare for the game. Leicester are a strong side but we are also a strong side. At home with our fans and support, we can do it. 

“In one week Leicester have beaten Liverpool and Manchester City. That means that they suddenly become the favourite to win the league. And that makes our game on Sunday a big one.” 

Wenger must now decide if he’s going to stick with the side that beat Bournemouth, which would mean playing Gabriel and Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of Per Mertesacker and Joel Campbell. With the pace that Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez add to the Leicester team, the Frenchman hinted that’s just what he’ll do come Sunday. 

“Oxlade-Chamberlain has the power, the technique and is able to not only score goals, but he can create also,” said Wenger. “Usually he is unlucky with his shooting, but maybe having scored against Bournemouth it will convince him that he should take more chances. 

“Gabriel has done well. He has performed well and overall I think the confidence comes with games.” 

If Wenger decides to stick with Oxlade-Chamberlain over Theo Walcott, who was used as a 93rd minute substitute against Bournemouth, the only change could see fit-again Francis Coquelin replace Mathieu Flamini in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.