Week 25: Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal
After losing points at home to Chelsea and Southampton, Arsenal had to score to stop the two games drought. A crucial victory behind a strong performance from Ozil put Arsenal in close distance with Leicester along side Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Wenger comment son the win:
We had a strong start and we were 2-0 in front with a good convincing performance. After that we were weak in some periods and we suffered a bit more. It was important for us to not concede a goal. In the end the second half was about keeping the result than continuing our flow in the game. It was an important three points for us.
on the second half…
There were some moments where Petr Cech had to make some saves. It was very close to the end but I don’t think they created many chances. Bournemouth is a good team. They maintained that physical level from the first to the last minute and I think they can beat anybody.
on Ozil…
He has become a very important player. He has added a fighting attitude today. It was a top, top, top performance from him today.
on his goal…
He scored with his right foot which is very interesting for us. If he scores with his right foot he will become even stronger.
on Flamini possibly being sent off…
I didn’t see it like that. I’m fairly sure at the start it was a free-kick to us because Flamini was there first and I didn’t see how high he was. He was first on the ball, I don’t even think he needed to tackle. It was maybe both. Maybe it was a foul from Flamini because he had high feet, I have to look at it again. I still feel that he was first on the ball and went for the ball and didn’t go for the player. It would have been harsh.
on why it was important to get a win…
For two reasons, we hadn’t won in a while, we had gone four games without a win and when you play at the top it is a long period so your confidence drops a bit. Leicester were running away and us playing them next week makes the game very interesting.
on closing the gap…
In one week Leicester have beaten Liverpool and Manchester City. That means that they suddenly become the favourite to win the Premier League. That makes our game on Sunday a big one.
on sustaining a title challenge…
On what basis do you say that? We have been in the title race and we are still in it. We cannot control people’s opinion and we need to show that we believe in it. We have to do it. It is still a long way to go. Leicester City is a favourite and we have a big game at home against them and I hope we have enough quality and nerves to deal with that.
