Arsenal coach, Arsène Wenger, has defended his side’s chances of winning the Barclays Premier League and reminded his critics that his oft-castigated side have defeated leaders Leicester City twice this season.
The Gunners have collected just one point from nine in a patch of form which has allowed Leicester to open up an eight-point gap between themselves and Wenger’s third- placed side.
Alexis Sánchez’s late equaliser in the North London derby on Saturday prevented Tottenham from going five points clear of their bitter foes but Arsenal have been subjected to intense scrutiny in light of their recent troubles.
Wenger said: “The championship is far from over. I’d just remind you we’ve beaten Leicester twice and have done our job against them. People should look at other teams. We will not give up and will fight until the end.”
The Frenchman is preparing for the unhelpfully timed FA Cup fifth-round replay at Championship promotion hunters Hull City on Tuesday night before welcoming born-again West Bromwich Albion to the Emirates the following weekend.
Arsenal then face the unenviable task of attempting to overturn a two-goal deficit against Champions League holders Barcelona at the Camp Nou on March 16 ahead of a trip to Everton three days later.
Asked if he will need to make changes to accommodate the bulging fixture schedule, Wenger added: “We have to, but I’m not so much concerned about playing one player more than another one. It’s more about rotating a little bit and keeping the right balance in the team.
“I have the same respect and the same idea that every player in my squad can play and win the game.”
