Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brushes aside reminder of Troy Deeney’s ‘cojones’ jibe before Watford meeting
Wenger defended his team’s recent run of form, claiming the criticism Arsenal received for their poor results went too far
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger has brushed off reminders of Troy Deeney’s infamous jibe that Arsenal lacked “cojones”, made following Watford’s 2-1 win over the Gunners at Vicarage Road in October.
The two clubs meet again on Sunday at the Emirates, as Arsenal begin a run of four home games in an attempt to salvage a disappointing season.
When the quote was put to Wenger, he responded: “You think we have not had enough controversy in the last week? You want me to add some more? What we can do is always respond on the field with the quality of our performance and that’s what we want to focus on, not what people say.
“If I respond to every single statement in the country I would already be mad. I may be anyway, but I would be even more mad. We want first of all to win the game. What is important is to add a win to another win to build up the belief again. That is for us absolutely the most important.”
Wenger defended his team’s recent run of form, hinting that he believes the criticism Arsenal received following consecutive 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and a limp 2-1 loss at Brighton went overboard.
“Judgement is judgement. We have to focus on the quality of our game. Our games were not as bad as everybody said, but we have to live with that. I am responsible for winning football games so when I don’t do it I accept the criticism. I have to make sure we win the game next week.”
In Milan in midweek, Danny Welbeck led the line for Wenger’s side as they claimed a restorative 2-0 victory in the Europa League first leg, and despite missing some of the Gunners’ better chances, Wenger was impressed with the forward.
“Welbeck is coming back slowly in a better shape. What he needs is consistency in the team and in the competition. He gave them a hard time and he looked sharper, more aggressive. When he adds that kind of aggression to his game he becomes a really dangerous striker.
“I have to see how he recovers [for Sunday]. I have to see how everybody recovers. We gave a lot, I felt. For many players it was game number four in 10 days and I have to see how the players recover for Sunday and after make my decision. It’s easy to play because he can play wide and central.”
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