Wenger: 'It was a big game for us tonight'

On fans singing: ‘We’re going to win the League’…
"I would like you to sing it. I believe it was a big game for us because we played a big game on Sunday and sometimes, three days later, you can be less focused. But we were committed, focused, and ready for it and played like a real team against a Portsmouth side who fought very hard tonight. We were a bit lucky on the first goal but after that we controlled the game. I'm proud of the team because the belief is there and we played like a real team. It was a big game for us tonight. We knew, to keep chasing, it was important to win here."
 
On his team’s physical play…
"Tonight we showed a physical response in the first half when they made it very physical. In midfield we were really up for it and dominated physically.
 
On injuries to Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott…
"Cesc is 10 days. It can be 12. Let's say the only question mark we have is does he make Everton or not. Walcott has a ripped muscle [in his side] and is about the same - 10 to 12 days.

On Aaron Ramsey’s performance…
"Ramsey was very good.”

On comparing Aaron Ramsey to Cesc Fabregas…
"Aaron is a player who can play right-back, left wing, central midfielder. He is an all-rounder. Cesc is a playmaker. But what they have in common, when they are on the pitch, is personality to say: 'I'm not scared to play. I'm ready to play the game.'
 
On Arsenal’s performances since the loss to Chelsea…
"I'm not surprised at what we've done since Chelsea, when we lost 3-0, I think people at that time didn't believe what I said. It's good. It shows that not only I can be wrong, but you can all be wrong, too.
 
On being four points ahead of fourth place…
"It's not enough because we have a four-point gap with Chelsea as well. I think it's completely open. What is interesting this season is that, from Chelsea to Man City or even Liverpool, everybody could still be in there. It will be very interesting because every weekend you will wonder who will drop points.”

[Wednesday, December 30, 2009]

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