WBA 1-2 Arsenal
Manager Wenger reacts:
on the win…
It was a difficult game against a good West Brom side who were really up for it. They did fight until the last second and we have shown two aspects of our game today. One that was very in control and with technical quality, and one that is less known – fighting spirit, a resolute attitude and battling qualities that reflect well the spirit we have in our side. I’m very pleased because it was three big points for us today.
on being on a great run…
I believe that since November we have been on a good run in the Premier League. We have made 22 points out of the last 27 but our target is to continue to do that until the end of the season.
on how long it took before he was allowed to bring on Vermaelen after the red card…
There were many things that I did not understand today, many decisions. But we had to take that on the chin and win the game. We couldn’t bring him on. I don’t know why.
on the red card…
I don’t complain for the sending off. It was a professional foul. He was the last man. It was a penalty and a red card.
on Rosicky’s performance…
Fantastic. He’s an important player for us. Unfortuantely he was injured for a long time but every year he gives us a little push at the end of the season. That is very important.
on Gervinho…
He has another assist. He is dangerous. When you have to defend, it’s a bit more difficult for him. As long as you have the ball and are going forward, he always looks dangerous.
on Vermaelen’s performance…
He did very well when he came in. I have three quality centre backs and I rotate. In recent times I played only Koscielny and Mertesacker because we won the games and there was no obvious reason to change. Thomas is a quality player.
on wanting to keep Rosicky…
I hope he finishes his career with us. He still has one year on his contract. I rate him very highly.
on what gives him most satisfaction…
Us winning the game. We now we have one target – to win our games. Then we do not have to look at Tottenham or at Chelsea. If we lose our games, you have always to look at the results of the others. That doesn’t work in our job. You have to focus on you and you win the games. Because we are behind them, our attitude is simple. We have to win the games.
on if he has a points target…
I believe we will do it. We are conscious that it will demand 100 per cent commitment in every single game. It will be difficult and edgy until the end but the only thing I can say is that we are ready for a fight.
on Wilshere and Walcott’s injuries…
Both of them could be available [next week].
on the race for a top-four finish…
Everybody looks at each other’s results but I believe sometimes that can get the focus away from your own performance. We always tell the players that we don’t focus on anybody else, just on us and perform well.
