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28 March 2024

Haunted Arsenal: Wenger, Walcott & ghost of Van Persie

Theo Walcott of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side's equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on March 31, 2012 in London, England. (GETTY)

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By Staff

You look at some of the comments and statements coming out of the Emirates and wonder about Arsene Wenger’s new strategy – tell it like it is.

While the Gunners are riding a wave of confidence after a solid and unbeaten start to the season, not least a 6-1 thumping of tricky Southampton, self-belief has always proved to be a fragile thing in football.

Arsenal play French champions Montpellier in the Champions League tonight and Wenger warmed his team up for the encounter by admitting he is worried he will be haunted by Robin van Persie.

“I’d have preferred him to go to a foreign club, so that he doesn’t haunt us,” Wenger said of Van Persie who signed for Manchester United.

This might not send out the best message to his new strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Or, it might be designed to challenge the strikers to perform.

Giroud for sure.

Arsenal fans have taken to jeering Theo Walcott, which one suspects has to do with the winger not yet having signed a new contract.

Walcott scored against Southampton but could find himself on the bench for tonight’s Champions League game, when you consider Wenger’s statements on him.

Wenger said: “It is a worry. You want your players to be supported no matter what contractual situation they are in. I hope it does not affect me or his fans.

“I hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it does not affect me.”

Walcott is being wanted by Chelsea, Liverpool as well clubs in Italy.

Wenger is also without keeper Wojciech Szczesny as he has an ankle injury All this leaves the Gunners on the edge before a risky opening game against a largely unknown Montpellier side. At least Wenger will not have to worry about Giroud haunting him.

Giroud was Montpellier and France’s top club striker las season. He sits on Arsenal’s bench.

Only problem is he is yet to score, so, Montpellier aren’t worried about being haunted by him yet either.

GUNNER LEAVE YOU?


 

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