Arsenal manager, Arsenal Wenger. PHOTO/File
LONDON, United Kingdom, Sep 29 – Arsene Wenger praised the quality of his side’s performance in their 2-0 victory over Basel on Wednesday night – although he would have prefered a few more goals.
Theo Walcott netted twice at the Emirates Stadium but with both his goals coming in the first half, Wenger felt they “eased off a bit in the second half.”
Speaking after the match, the Gunners boss told the club’s official website: “I would like to congratulate my team for the quality of what they produced tonight.
“My only regret is that we didn’t take enough of the chances that we created. It’s a good basis to have a taste for more.”
He added: “We eased off a bit in the second half and we couldn’t score the third goal. We still had plenty of chances but it’s tough to maintain that pace, accuracy in the passing and speed in the game over 90 minutes. The first half was top, top quality like what we produced against Chelsea.
“It’s down to hard work of course, but also belief and belief comes with the last results. The confidence comes with the last result. We were a bit edgy at home for a few games but now it looks like we are playing with full pace and power.
“Now it’s down to us to continue to improve.”
Walcott, whose goals were both set up by Alexis Sanchez, said that he’s developing a good relationship with the Chilean, and his teammates as a whole.
He said: “It’s getting a good sort of partnership there, but it’s not just that, the whole team seems to be clicking. Me and Hector (Bellerin) have got a good relationship on that right-hand side, it’s quite a pacy right-hand side.
“I think the whole team tends to react well and defend well as a unit and clean sheets are going to win games because we’re going to score plenty of goals.
“That combination between me and Alexis, it’s boding well but it’s obviously still very early into the season, so hopefully we can all stay fit and it’s going to be a good run.”
