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Arsene Wenger says Petr Cech’s ‘calm dynamics’ helped Arsenal survive v Newcastle

8 years ago
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Arsene Wenger was full of praise for Newcastle United but we have seen this before when Arsenal have still won despite not necessarily deserving it.

A different matter when Arsenal don’t win, although Newcastle fans haven’t experienced that for a while!

The Arsenal boss says that he feels for the Newcastle players because of how they played and he described United as a team with ‘a lot of technical quality’.

As for his own players, Arsene Wenger blamed heavy legs and says he is more than happy with nine points from the four festive games.

In comparison Steve McClaren only has the three points from Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham from the last four fixtures.

Wenger also picked Petr Cech out for special praise and said that he gave Arsenal some ‘calm dynamics’ today.

Arsene Wenger talking to arsenal.com:

“It was a difficult game against a good Newcastle side. Our legs were heavy today, I must say.

“Overall we were tested against a team with a lot of technical quality and our fluency was not there and our movement was not there. Our motto was try to stick together and win the game how we can.

“The mental aspect of our team and our defence mentality was tested today, rather than our quality going forward.

“He (Cech) made two big saves, one in the first half and one in the second half and on top of that he gives calm dynamics. Today we needed that.

“I have been in football long enough to know if you are Newcastle’s players you feel for them because they played very well.

“Flamini has played well and it was a difficult game for the midfielders because they (Newcastle) put a lot of pressure on us and we didn’t find our combinations. You never know when you play in midfield if you move away from the ball and get into areas where you can get the ball, or if you sit. He is intelligent and has experience.

“To not drop points with the way we played today, I think it is very important. It helps the team as well because you go through moments where you don’t play well. The memory of having done that before and still having won the game, helps you to hang on sometimes.

“I think we have given a lot during Christmas – at the end of the day what do people look at after Christmas? Four games and how many points you have made. Nine points is acceptable or even good.

“I put Ozil centre forward and he has quality to keep the ball and run from deep spaces and Aaron Ramsey can do that.”

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