Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Presser Quotes
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a dig at rivals Tottenham Hotspur during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, pointing out Spurs’ position ahead of the Gunners in the standings this late in the season is a rare occurrence.
Tottenham sit three points ahead of Arsenal in the standings and could lock up a second-placed finish this weekend, but Wenger didn’t sound overly impressed, via Darren Bent of the Daily Mirror:
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He also emphasised Spurs haven’t beaten the Gunners to second place just yet, per the club’s official Twitter account:
If Tottenham beat Southampton on Sunday, their six-point lead in the standings and enormous advantage in goal difference would all but ensure St. Totteringham’s Day won’t be celebrated in 2016.
It would mark the first time since 1995 the Gunners fail to finish above their rivals in the standings.
Arsenal will travel to the Etihad Stadium to meet City later on Sunday, and following the Citizens’ UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, momentum appears to be with the Gunners.
Wenger looked back on the disappointing seasons both clubs have had:
The 2015-16 campaign has been an odd one, as the traditional Premier League heavyweights all faltered at some point in the season.
That opened the door for Leicester City to grab the title. Wenger explained why he thought they were successful, per Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror: “They had fantastic team spirit and were very efficient defensively. It was a surprise.”
Per Lang, he also spoke favourably of City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will leave the Sky Blues without winning any major silverware in his final season and will be replaced by Pep Guardiola: “He has shown great dignity and human qualities. He is respected by everybody.”
The Frenchman told reporters the seasons of both Per Mertesacker and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are over due to injuries, and the latter will also miss the upcoming UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, per Lang. Santi Cazorla looked good during Thursday’s match with the under-21 side, however.
Wenger was also asked about the future of Mikel Arteta, and specifically the rumours he could become a member of City’s coaching staff when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Per the Gunners’ official Twitter account, he admitted that was an option for the Spaniard, although Wenger believes he can still play:
He also shed some light on whether players could follow a similar path within the club:
Sunday’s clash will be crucial with an eye on next year’s Champions League, and an Arsenal win would guarantee the Gunners finish in third place, a spot that comes with an automatic ticket for Europe’s top club competition.
The fourth-placed team will have to go through qualification, and with the likes of Manchester United and West Ham United close behind, both teams will be keen on a positive result at the Etihad.
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