We struggle to cope with Stoke, admits Wenger
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits his team struggle to cope with playing at Stoke, following a fifth defeat in their last eight visits to the Britannia Stadium.
Wenger believes Saturday’s 3-2 reverse – the Gunners’ fourth in the Premier League already this season – was also further evidence that the Potters try harder against his men than against other teams.
“They played a game that we had problems to cope with,” he said. “I watched them many times on television; they are especially motivated against us. You don’t see them up for it as much as against us.”
The Frenchman also defended youngster Calum Chambers, after he accumulated his eighth and ninth bookings of the campaign.
“I don’t think he is a dirty player at all,” Wenger added. “I thought the second yellow card, compared to what happened on the pitch today, was a bit farcical. He is 19 and has to learn. We were a bit young at the back [against Stoke]; defending is a job for older people.”
Wenger plans to leave Alexis Sanchez and other stars at home for tomorrow’s trip to Galatasaray, having already sealed progress to the Champions League last 16.