Stoke v Arsenal: Gunners challenged by Arsène Wenger to show strength in crucial month of games
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Second-placed Arsenal begin another crucial month in their title challenge today, travelling to Stoke City knowing they can temporarily move five points ahead of Manchester City in third with victory.
Despite predictions of a stutter, Arsenal are still in touch at the top and manager Arsène Wenger predicted that if they can maintain their position through some difficult fixtures, they can challenge later in the spring.
“March is the month,” said Wenger ahead of today’s game. “We play Spurs, City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Everton in the Cup. We have a great opportunity to show that we are strong, which is what I think. At the end of March we will know much more.”
Arsenal will welcome back Mesut Özil after resting their record signing following a drop in form and confidence. They will not have Aaron Ramsey back, though, the Welsh midfielder still two weeks away from a return after a thigh injury. So Ramsey will not return to the ground where his leg was broken four years ago, but Wenger would not be worried about a repeat in any case. “If it was an accident, an accident can always happen,” he said.
Wenger is confident that his team can put all negative thoughts of the Britannia Stadium out of their mind for today’s game. “We have some bad memories, as well we have some good memories,” he said. “It is a stadium where, first of all, the pitch is narrow and a bit more difficult to play. As well it is more open to the wind, but at the end of the day we have shown recently it is down to the performance. If we perform on Saturday, [the rest] is only feelings.”
Thomas Vermaelen may return at left-back if Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal do not regain fitness.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments