Arsenal vs. Everton: Key Comments from Arsene Wenger's Pre-Match Presser
Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal are "hurting" after their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Monaco, but he doesn't believe the feeling is amplified by the media's reaction to their poor performance.
The Gunners boss spoke ahead of his side's Premier League tie with Everton on Sunday, an opportunity for a quick response to the round of 16 first leg disappointment.
Wenger dismissed press criticism, saying the results of his team mean much more to him than the views of the press, per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World:
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4 provided some of Thursday's back pages, after Monaco stormed to victory in north London:
Wenger refused to blame one player for defeat, however, and he remained resolute about his side's chances of progressing, per Palmer:
Arsenal head into their next tie needing an immediate response. The Emirates atmosphere is likely to be cagey when Everton arrive, particularly as any slip up could have serious consequences in the Gunners' quest for a place in next season's Champions League.
As reported by Arsenal's official Twitter account, Wenger is looking for a sharp response:
The manager was able to provide a snippet of good news, confirming players such as Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are likely to return soon:
Palmer clarified that Wilshere should be available imminently:
Wenger's men showed a noticeable lack of character last time out, but they should be confident of toppling Everton. Although Roberto Martinez's side have put together an improved run of form—losing just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions, per WhoScored.com—they are currently ranked 12th after enduring a poor season.
Indeed, their recent 2-2 draw with Leicester highlighted a team who have suffered with inconsistency. Romelu Lukaku has scored five goals in his last three appearances, however, and he will lead the Toffees' counter-attacking threat.
Further pressure will be forced upon Wenger and his players if anything less than three points are captured. Arsenal's season threatens to crumble with their likely Champions League elimination, as the FA Cup once again becomes their most likely route to silverware. Whether this is enough to satisfy fans remains to be seen.
