ARSENE WENGER wants Arsenal to raise the roof at the Emirates by turning on the style against Fulham.
The Gunners head into tomorrow’s clash with the Cottagers looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at Manchester United.
Wenger admits recent lacklustre displays have left the Arsenal fans less than impressed and says it is the team’s duty to get them off their seats again tomorrow.
The Frenchman said: “We just have to play good games. The atmosphere comes from the team, not the fans, and we have to think like that.
“The vibes come out with the quality of our game. The fans are behind the team.
“I agree we had one or two flat games at home, especially against Schalke, even the game against QPR.
“I believe that it is down to the quality of our game — that is our responsibility.”
While Arsenal are struggling for consistency, free-scoring Fulham have been flying high recently and head into the game on a four-match unbeaten run.
Wenger knows Martin Jol’s side will represent another stern test of his squad’s character.
He added: “Fulham are very efficient going forward. They have [Hugo] Rodallega, they have, of course, [Dimitar] Berbatov and offensively they are a side who creates many chances and who scores goals — 21 goals is quite impressive in 10 games.”
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the Arsenal squad for the first time since mid-September.
Vito Mannone has performed well as his deputy and the Italian is determined to hold on to the jersey even when the Poland international is fully fit again.
However, Wenger indicated Szczesny, who made a couple of handling errors in his appearances earlier this season, is likely to eventually come back into the side.
He said: “When both Vito and Wojciech are fully fit, then we will see.
“Wojciech is the No1, so when he is truly fit I will make that decision. But at the moment it is Vito who will play on Saturday.”
Arsenal will be without suspended midfielder Jack Wilshere after his red card at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old has only just come back from a long injury lay-off and was recalled to the senior England squad for next week’s friendly in Sweden.
The Sun
