Wenger reaches out

Gunners boss keen to prove critics wrong

Last updated: 10th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger reaches out

Wenger: Winning mentality

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Arsene Wenger has reached out to his players in what is a defining point in their campaign.

The Gunners boss believes his side can show critics who were "too quick to write us off" exactly what they are capable of when they come up against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Wenger's side hold a slender one-goal advantage heading into the second leg in Italy where they will bid to defend a 17-match unbeaten run.

Boasting 10 clean sheets in 14 games, the North London club can afford to be satisfied during what is an impressive run in all competitions.

Quality

"You judge a season at the end of the season and it is down to us in the coming months to show that we have the necessary quality and that people were too quick to write us off," said Wenger.

"We are quite solid defensively, but I believe it is down to achieving a good balance between attack and defence.

"We always have an offensive attitude and sometimes that is the best way so you do not come under pressure defensively."

With Eduardo and Theo Walcott back in the first-team, and Emmanuel Adebayor and captain Cesc Fabregas nearing fitness, the Gunners have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the second leg in Italy.

Winning mentality

However, whilst a draw would be good enough to secure safe passage through to the last eight, Wenger insists his side will maintain their winning mentality.

"I do not think that a defensive display is the right thing going into a game like this as it is too dangerous.

"The positive thing about our home result is that we did not concede a goal, and we did not score enough to think we just have to defend.

"They will go for it because they know they have to score at least two goals and put us under pressure.

"It is down to us to be well-organised and to come out and play our game."