EPL 2016/17: Arsene Wenger reveals the reason behind the Gunners' title push this season
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, believes that his squad’s new-found resilience is helping them push for the Premier League title this season. The 67-year-old French manager’s side have lost only two games in all competitions so far this season and still remain unbeaten in away games.
Arsenal’s exemplary record was almost ended on several occasions but Wenger’s men came back from behind to avoid losing all three points on six occasion this season. Similarly, in their 3-1 win over Stoke City last week, the Gunners trailed by 1 goal at the start but clawed their way back to get all three points against the Potters. The Frenchman has lauded his team’s ability to fight back ever so often and noted it as a sign of resilience as he prepares his squad for a trip to Goodison Park on Tuesday.
“I look at the history of the games and there is always turning points that have gone for us,” said Wenger.
“It is never one-way traffic, even on Saturday it could have been 2-2. [Mame Biram] Diouf has a header, [Peter] Crouch has a header that Petr Cech saves and we manage to get the turning points on our side.
“I am conscious that is very tight, but I am conscious there is a resilience in the squad because it is not a coincidence we have come from behind six times. We always had it (resilience), but maybe we had less experience, belief,” he added.
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The Gunners' terrific run of form this season has led them to second place in the Premier League table just three points behind league leaders Chelsea FC. When Wenger was asked the reason behind his team’s new mindset, the Frenchman said, “We played for many years with a very young squad, so under pressure, they are a bit more vulnerable.
“And as well, to the recent history of the team, we have not lost for a long time and that creates as well strength in the squad and belief, and trust, and that is of course much more linked with that.”
Now that Wenger’s side have proven to be resilient, it will be interesting to see how they handle two strong teams in the form of Everton and Manchester City whom they will be facing in the coming weeks. The 67-year-old also admitted that his side’s unbeaten record will be put to the test in this festive period.
“The fact we just try to play like at home and maybe as well the fact that the other teams play as well,” said Wenger. “When we play at home everybody plays a bit deeper. But there is nothing really absolutely special, we just try to play our game."
Arsenal have once again drawn Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 having previously faced the Germans four times in five seasons in the tournament. This could be Arsene Wenger’s final season as manager of the London club and he will be hoping to put one over on the German giants before he signs off.