Wenger eyes festive points feast

Arsene Wenger says the results of Arsenal’s holiday fixtures could define the club’s season.

Having turned the Gunners’ fortunes around after a disappointing start – they have lost just one of their last 10 Premier League games, a narrow 1-0 defeat at leaders Manchester City – Wenger is determined to maintain the improvement against Wolves, QPR and Fulham.

He is urging his players to stay fully focused over the festive period and climb into the top four – aware that at the moment they are only two points better off than sixth-placed Liverpool.

“We know we have an opportunity to gain a better position on the table. It’s down to us to do our job,” Wenger was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

“In the Premier League the Christmas period is vital to get your points.”

“We have responded well to our defeat at Man City with a win at Aston Villa, so now it’s down to us to do the job at home and get the points against Wolves on Tuesday.”

“Every game has its own difficulty so what is important for us is to focus on our own game and perform well.”

“In the Premier League if you don’t focus then you don’t win, so let’s focus on our next game and try to win it.”

“We have learned that you win only if you are at your best. That’s the difficult (bit), to combine the Christmas period with focus.”

Although the proposed London Underground strike has forced Arsenal to postpone their game against Wolves for 24 hours, meaning that his players will now have Christmas Day off, Wenger is anxious to ensure there is no easing of effort or concentration from his squad.

He recognises the challenge from Mick McCarthy’s side, who are striving to pull away from the relegation zone.

“Wolves are a side that plays good football,” he said.

“They always look dangerous going forward and they make it tough for everybody. They have the Mick McCarthy spirit and attitude, they never give up.”

“They play a very positive game so we know what to expect. They fight to stay in the league and you know it is always an intense game against them. They are dangerous, of course, they make life difficult for everybody.”

The Gunners are continuing to wrestle with an injury crisis that has decimated Wenger’s defensive options.

A set-back in the recovery from a stomach problem of left-back Kieran Gibbs means the 22-year-old, originally due back before the end of the year, has had to undergo a second operation and continues to keep Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos company in a crowded treatment room.

The lack of full-backs at Wenger’s disposal means centre-backs Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen are again expected to deputise at right-back and left-back, respectively, although Francis Coquelin, who played at right-back against Aston Villa in midweek, could again be deployed.

Centre-back Johan Djourou, who was filling in at right-back when he suffered a groin strain against Manchester City last Sunday, is making progress and could be back in contention to face Wolves.