Arsenal have found their stride in recent weeks, with four wins and a draw from their last five games in all competitions.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has highlighted what he feels would have pleased Arsene Wenger most about last night’s 4-0 EFL win over Nottingham Forest, when speaking live on Sky Sports Now at 10:27 am on September 21st.
Wenger made 11 changes from the side that won at Hull City on Saturday, with four of the players staring at the City Ground being 21 and under.
Smith explained to Sky Sports how Wenger’s side were not bullied by a physical Forest outfit, and believes that would have really pleased the Frenchman:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
“I think what he will be pleased about is that the kids didn’t get bullied. That’s what happened at Sheffield Wednesday last season, when he played a lot of the younger boys, and that high tempo Championship football – they couldn’t cope with. Nottingham Forest tried to make it physical at times, but they coped with it, and I think he will be really pleased with that.”
Arsenal are likely to face another physical test on Saturday as they take on Chelsea in a game where the outcome could have huge psychological ramifications for both sides.
Although Wenger will surely revert back to something more like the side hat won at Hull, some of the player’s performances last night will be at the forefront of Wenger’s mind.
Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny were two who particularly impressed, and they will be hoping for a starting spot at the weekend.
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka
Although Santi Cazorla remains a hugely integral part of the Gunners side, at the age of 31, he no longer has the legs to be as influential for his side on a regular basis, and after playing three games last week, he could be rested in place of either Xhaka or Elneny.
Wenger is notorious for standing by players that he trusts, however, and it would be no surprise to see Cazorla and Francis Coquelin once again pinning the Arsenal midfield on Saturday.
The Frenchman’s decisions have been vindicated in recent weeks, but Saturday’s game against Chelsea will be a real indicator as to how successful the Gunners can be this year.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
