When the Arsenal coach pulls into Reading’s ground on Sunday, Arsène Wenger could be forgiven for thinking he is still in Russia.
The Madejski Stadium sounds like it belongs to CSKA rather than an up-and-coming Berkshire side who are fast becoming the Premiership’s surprise package this season. Yet both clubs will pose Arsenal similar problems.
On Tuesday an unheralded, starless Moscow side produced a highly competent performance to end a run of six straight wins in all competitions for Wenger’s team. Reading’s displays this season can be described in similar terms. They have already given Chelsea and Manchester United all the trouble they could handle at their home ground. Wenger is expecting the same on Sunday.
“I am impressed by what they do,” said Wenger in Friday's pre-match press conference. “They work hard, are well-organised and they play good football.
“I followed Reading last year. They were so dominant in Division One that I felt there was some more in the locker. They were dominating easily. That means they have the quality to play in the Premiership.
“Still for our part I feel we came out of Tuesday’s game disappointed and on Sunday we will be much sharper.”
Arsenal have no new injuries for the game. However Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos are now ready to start if required. That would be a first for both this season. Mathieu Flamini is available again but, another midfielder, Freddie Ljungberg will be out for longer than expected.
“We have no new injuries but nobody is back who wasn't ready to play in CSKA,” said Wenger. “Senderos and Flamini are in the squad and will play Sunday or at West Brom on Tuesday.
"I will make changes, but not many. Clichy looks ready for a start and Senderos too so I do have options.
"However Freddie has had a setback and will be out for two or three more weeks. It's a blow because he gives us options that we need. We have Freddie, Baptista and Eboue all out and you always know after a World Cup that players will have injuries by November.”
In years gone by such problems in midfield might have given youngsters like Steven Sidwell and James Harper the chance to be involved in the Arsenal squad. Both rose through the ranks but did not reach the heights of a first-team appearance. They have gone on to be major players in Reading’s ascent to the top flight and Wenger takes quiet satisfaction in that.
”We educated them but at the time they were not ready to play for Arsenal Football Club,” he said. “They had massive players in front of them. But we contributed for them to be successful in their football life and we are proud of that.
“You can only play 11 players but you can educate 50. Not everyone in the Academy can be successful. You know that not all of them will play for you. But if you contribute to the standard of football and players at your Club then you have done your job.”
前瞻：基本上双方教练各自谦虚了一番，然后很有信心的表示出准备赢的比赛的想法
