Arsenal vs Stoke City preview - Wenger looks for home comforts

Posted Saturday, September 21, 2013 by PA

Manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his Arsenal players to translate their brilliant away form into making the Emirates Stadium a fortress - starting with Sunday's visit of Stoke.

The Gunners secured a club-record 10th successive away victory when they beat Marseille 2-1 in the first Champions League group match on Wednesday night.

Although the Emirates Stadium was rocking as Arsenal defeated north London rivals Tottenham 1-0 before the international break, the bitter disappointment of an opening-day 3-1 reverse to Aston Villa still remains fresh in the memory.

As the Gunners prepare for a first home match since the B£43million club-record signing of Mesut Ozil, Wenger feels his side can start to consolidate a position of strength at Ashburton Grove.

"If you look at the numbers, away from home, we have been remarkably consistent. At home we want of course to create the same consistency," he said.

"I believe we have a chance (to challenge for the title) and what is most important is that my full energy is to make sure we grab that chance.

"It is too early to say who will be in the fight, who will not be in the fight. You are a bit cautious because these days you are very quickly in a crisis - one bad result and everyone questions your potential to be in there, so let's be consistent."

Stoke were also beaten on the opening day of the new Barclays Premier League campaign, losing 1-0 at Liverpool.

However, Mark Hughes' new-look Potters have responded well, securing two wins and a goalless draw at home with Manchester City last weekend as well as progressing in the Capital One Cup.

Wenger was never a big fan of the tactics Stoke often deployed to great success by former boss Tony Pulis.

The Arsenal boss, however, feels Hughes - back in the Premier League after being sacked by QPR in November 2012 - has done well to oversee a smooth transition.

"It is always difficult to change the style of a team because you are judged immediately on the results. They look to have adapted remarkably quickly," Wenger said.

"For me it shows as well that Stoke have good players. When they are capable to adapt, it is always a sign of quality."

Wenger, though, maintains his men must be ready for whatever is thrown at them on Sunday.

"In the Premier League I believe all the top teams today are very, very focused in every single game," he said.

"What we have learnt in the last two years, all of us, is that every single game is a battle where you need to be at your best if you want to win it."

Theo Walcott scored his first goal of the new season with a fine volley against Marseille.

The England forward could already have been up and running with the amount of chances which have come his way, particularly at Sunderland last weekend.

Wenger, though, was never concerned, so long as Walcott continued to do the right things.

"I would have been worried if he didn't create any chance," he said.

"The players always need that and the fact that he scored certainly will get that out of the way and [he] will be scoring regularly because he created many chances recently.

"That is really in cycles, the finishing, and is the same for everybody."

Arsenal could have midfielder Mikel Arteta back in the squad for the first time this season as he recovers from a thigh problem.

Santi Cazorla, though, remains sidelined with his ankle injury, as does Tomas Rosicky (thigh).

Stoke boss Hughes believes his side are ready for Arsenal after exceeding his expectations so far this season.

The Potters have made an encouraging start to life under Hughes, not only enjoying good results but earning praise for their attractive play.

Hughes said: "You can't question the quality and ability of Arsenal - they are playing well and winning games.

"We are playing exceptionally well too, and in my opinion it is as good a time as any to go down there and play them.

"In terms of how we are playing it is probably better than I thought they were possibly capable of.

"The exciting thing for me is that I feel there is more to come.

"Everything they have been asked they have come up with answers so far, and long may that continue.

"We are playing some good stuff and creating a lot of chances.

"We played really well last week and we deserved to win. Manchester City weren't at their best, but that was perhaps a consequence of coming up against ourselves, who put in a fantastic display."

Midfielder Charlie Adam has been Stoke's only fitness concern with a gashed leg but he is expected to be fit.