What Does Wenger Have To Say Before The Big Game?

So with Arsenal hosting Manchester United tomorrow at the Emirates we’re going to take a look at the key points from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s conference this morning.

Giroud and Arteta are both available

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OK so arguably the biggest news from the conference is that French striker Giroud and club captain Arteta are both back in contention to play at least some of the game tomorrow after returning from injury. It is unlikely they will start the match unless it is necessary but to have them back does boos the squad.

Wenger hinted that whilst Giroud is back he is doing extremely well to be back so quickly and it is likely that he will be used sparingly when possible, especially when Sanchez and Welbeck are playing so well together at the moment.

For me wenger is now stuck in a tricky position with Arteta. He is technically the club captain, and would probably expect to get straight back into the team, but for me he is not good enough at any singular thing to be pushing anyone out of the team. He is not as good defensively as Wilshere or Flamini, and he his not as good at going forward as Ramsey or Cazorla. And he certainly doesn’t have the pace to play out wide. So where do you put him? I hope Wenger has an idea because for me he is on the bench at best tomorrow.

Welbeck is a doubt to face his old club, Walcott is out

On less promising injury news Welbeck has returned from England duty with a slight niggle and will face a late fitness test ahead of the game to decide how much of a part he can play, if any.

Walcott will not be available for the match after he failed to train with the Arsenal squad on Thursday, Wenger refusing to risk the player after such a long term injury.

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I really hope that Welbeck is able to play tomorrow because I don’t think that Giroud is ready to jump straight back into the Premier League and Sanogo certainly isn’t the quality that we need to disrupt even a weakened Manchester United. Welbeck is fitting in perfectly at the front and would benefit from continuity and the renewed confidence that must have come from another two international goals for England in recent break. He should even be keeping Sturridge out of the set-up on this current form.

Wenger did try to sign Messi

Once again it is a case of a player that we didn’t sign. This could be the biggest of them all. Wenger confirmed that when we signed Fabregas we were also looking at bringing the magnificent Argentinian as well, with Pique for good measure. The idea of Messi slowly developing his game in the Premier League and running the wings for Arsenal is a beautiful one, even those who aren’t fans of the club could have no qualms about the fact he would suit Arsenal most out of all the clubs in the EPL, however I don’t think he would have progressed half as far due to the combative nature.

So Wenger has ironed out who will be available and who we could have, what can we do except pray for a win against United now?

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