Speaking to Arsenal Player, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claims that playing away from home is the ultimate test of a player’s bravery and attitude.
The Frenchman said that without the ‘protection’ of the home fans at an away ground provides the chance to delve into a player’s mindset with how he deals with the situation.
You could say it’s linked more to bravery – your character is more tested away from home.
At home you feel the players are a bit more protected.
Wenger then related his theory to his decision making in scouting certain players.
But what I say to my scouts is, ‘Watch this player for me, but watch him in an away game.’ You want to know how he behaves away from home because usually at home you will be all right.
If a scout comes to me and says he has found a good player, I ask where he saw him.
If it was at home, I tell them to go and watch them away as well because it’s a better test of their character, their bravery and their desire.
Once a player is good away from home, you can say you will consider him.
Arsenal’s away form in the Premier League has so far been encouraging. The Gunners picked up wins at Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Leicester City, the latter two being some of the strongest sides in the league this season. Arsenal’s only away defeat this season came at Stamford Bridge, where the Gunners lost 2-0 after both Gabriel and captain Santi Cazorla were sent off.
