Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League
qualification took a shot in the arm in the week when a resilient
performance at Southampton saw them leave 2-0 winners and with all three
points.
The victory at St.
Mary’s, their first in the League since December 2003 when Robert Pires
scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, took Arsene Wenger’s side above
rivals Manchester United into fifth place and just three points off
Manchester City in fourth.
Having
won five of their last six in all competitions the Gunners are hitting
form at just the right time and, whilst their fate is no longer in their
own hands, another win when they travel to Stoke City this weekend
would further turn the heat up on those above, especially Liverpool who
don’t play until Sunday and have already played a game more than the
north Londoners.
With
that in mind, Wenger may be tempted to recall Arsenal stalwart Laurent
Koscielny, who missed the Southampton game through injury.
Speaking ahead of their trip to the Bet365 Stadium, Wenger told Shoot that the French defender has a chance to feature against Mark Hughes’ side.
“[Koscielny has] got a small chance,” said Wenger.
“He was not far [for Southampton] he practised yesterday (Tuesday) but it was risky to play him.”
While
it would be a boost the the travelling Gunners to see Koscielny return
to the fold, strong showings from both Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal in a
back three on Wednesday night will give Wenger peace of mind should he
leave the 31-year-old out.
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