Friday, December 31, 2010

Wenger targets New Year push

Arsenal remain firmly in the title picture - two points behind leaders Manchester United, who have played a game less - despite losing losing three of nine home games.
And Wenger has called for his side to launch an irresistible title push by improving their form at Emirates Stadium.
"I feel we are on a good track and that we are in a strong position," he said. "We want to improve our home record, but recently we have seen at home we are much more efficient. Overall I feel the team is on the right track and there is a lot more to come."
Despite Wenger's optimism, he did attack his players after they conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Wigan on Wednesday. The French boss admits that he has a part to play in ensuring that the Gunners communicate more efficiently in defence.
"We have to take more initiative on the communication side because sometimes I feel that people aren't informed enough when they are alone - they can control the ball more instead of heading it out [for a corner]," he said.
"You can encourage - people who are not so talkative, you need to encourage them to do it. It is part of the coaching staff's job."
Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd claimed the title is Manchester United's to lose going into 2011, but Wenger insists Arsenal will have a strong say this season.
"It is Arsenal's title to win. We have to go on a run and be consistent," he said. "The only thing we have learnt from this first six months is that the team who will be the most consistent, with great emotional stamina and resolve will win it.
"It could be the league of the mentally strong. It is a league with a lot of ups and downs and the teams who deal the best with that will certainly win it."

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