Wenger rejects doubts about Arsenal’s title credentials

“It will be special and when we play them away it is my birthday so, hopefully, it’ll be a good moment for me and the team”.

“I think as well that he is happy here and I’m sure before the end of the season he will play more games”.

The Gunners are perfectly placed to mount a Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season as they sit top of the pile, ahead of surprise challengers Leicester City on goal difference and three points clear of Manchester City.

Arsenal FC’s main injury worry has been in the middle of the park, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Tomas Rosicky (knee), Jack Wilshere (ankle), and Mikel Arteta (knock), all spending their time in the infirmary.

The opposition plays a significant role in Arsene Wenger’s decision-making, whether he opts for Walcott’s pace in behind the defence or Giroud’s hold-up play and aerial ability against a deeper opponent.

“We proved a lot of people wrong that night [against Olympiacos] and that result has shown the quality and the class and the determination we have in this team”, said Walcott. “In the heart of the team, at centre-back or central midfield, it is more risky, but I have felt some players needed a rest”.

“You just have to get that eye contact and soon as you get that, you know where the ball is going to go”, he told Arsenal’s official website.

“It tests your team on different aspects, more on a mental front than on a footballing front and tests how much you are ready to suffer to win a game when you’re not at your best”. “If things go well, they have a bunch of young players”. However, with Cisse visiting a London specialist for a second opinion on his groin injury and Riviere just back in training after a long-term knee problem, McClaren has little option.

“It shows you that we have a good chance as the statistics show you that eight of the past 11 years the team who was top on New Year’s Day won it”, he said.

“I remember watching Ozil shine for Germany’s Under 21s in 2009 when they beat England 4-0 and said to Steven Gerrard at that time he was someone Liverpool had to go for”, said the Sky Sports pundit.

And while Wenger will surely be keen not to make the same mistake twice, the Frenchman is eager to keep playing the in-form Ozil. We have confidence and it is just flowing out there. “If you want to reach the best in the game, you’ve got to play the best”.