Arsene Wenger said Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth was important, having not won in four games, for the belief of his squad.
A quick-fire double in the first half settled the points Arsenal’s way despite the Gunners stumbling over the line in the second half.
Mesut Ozil was on target before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored his first away goal in five years and Wenger, speaking to the media, as reported by the official Arsenal website, admitted that he knew it was vital his team responded from a sticky patch to claim all three points.
We needed to win the game. I don’t want to be too dramatic making statements. A game away from home in the Premier League is difficult to win for everybody. We needed to win and we won. In the last three away games, we played against Liverpool who equalised in the last minute and we played at Stoke which was 0-0. We came here today and won so I believe that we have shown good performances.
It was noticeable that the players were lacking in belief in that the second half was not about improving the goal difference but holding what they had.
The Arsenal boss explained why it was about coming away with a win more so than killing the game in typical, flamboyant style.
For two reasons, we hadn’t won in a while, we had gone four games without a win and when you play at the top it is a long period so your confidence drops a bit. Leicester were running away and us playing them next week makes the game very interesting.
Looking forward, Wenger remains convinced his team are well in with a shout of winning the league despite the bleak outlook many had following a disappointing draw in midweek to Southampton.
We have been in the title race and we are still in it. We cannot control people’s opinion and we need to show that we believe in it. We have to do it. It is still a long way to go. Leicester City is a favourite and we have a big game at home against them and I hope we have enough quality and nerves to deal with that.
Early in the first half, Mathieu Flamini could, and perhaps should have been sent off. Wenger said that he needs a second look to be able to make a decision on whether it should have been a red card.
I didn’t see it like that. I’m fairly sure at the start it was a free-kick to us because Flamini was there first and I didn’t see how high he was. He was first on the ball, I don’t even think he needed to tackle. It was maybe both. Maybe it was a foul from Flamini because he had high feet, I have to look at it again. I still feel that he was first on the ball and went for the ball and didn’t go for the player. It would have been harsh.
Ozil got himself back amongst the goals after somewhat of a rut, and Wenger hailed the German’s attitude.
He has become a very important player. He has added a fighting attitude today. It was a top, top, top performance from him today. He scored with his right foot which is very interesting for us. If he scores with his right foot he will become even stronger.
Discussing the opponents, Bournemouth, who were certainly a match for the Gunners, Wenger admitted they are a challenge for any team.
There were some moments where Petr Cech had to make some saves. It was very close to the end but I don’t think they created many chances. Bournemouth is a good team. They maintained that physical level from the first to the last minute and I think they can beat anybody.
