Wenger expects Arsenal revival over Christmas

LONDON

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle will breed the confidence they need to cope with a hectic Christmas schedule.

After seeing his side end a three-match winless run thanks to Mesut Özil’s spectacular first-half goal at the Emirates Stadium on Dec. 16, Gunners boss Wenger has no worries about a potential lack of stamina.

“You could see that we had played three games in six days and the third game is a bit more difficult physically. Nobody else had to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, but I still think we had plenty of chances to score more goals,” Wenger said.

“If you look historically, it happens every year that finishing is a bit cyclic. Sometimes you will score three or four, converting every chance, and sometimes you will have six or seven chances and score only one.

“I know that people are not happy with it, but it’s part of the game and you need to live with it.”

Özil’s current form had Wenger purring in admiration and more desperate than ever to ensure that the Germany international does not leave the club in January or at the end of the season when his contract expires.

“It was a superb finish. He can deliver that. It’s important for him that he takes the risk to do what he did,” Wenger said.

“Usually he is a guy who, 99 per cent of the time, in this position, he controls the ball and gives it to somebody else, so I’m pleased he took the gamble to finish and I’m happy as well that he scored a very important goal.

“I am confident that he will stay here, but what does that mean? I don’t know.”

With Newcastle slipping into the bottom three for the first time this season, manager Rafael Benitez will no doubt be grateful for Wenger’s support.