Arsenal vs Swansea preview - Wenger seeks fresh start - 7M sport

Arsenal vs Swansea preview - Wenger seeks fresh start



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Posted Saturday, September 10, 2011 by PA

Arsene Wenger is confident new signing Mikel Arteta can have an instant impact when Arsenal look to kick-start their Barclays Premier League campaign against Swansea at the Emirates Stadium.

The 29-year-old Spaniard, understood to have accepted a pay cut to force through his £10million deadline-day switch from Everton, is in line to make his Gunners debut along with Germany defender Per Mertesacker.

Fellow recent arrivals Yossi Benayoun, on a season loan from Chelsea, Brazil full-back Andre Santos and South Korea captain Park Chu-young, provided his visa clearance comes through, could all feature in the squad.

Wenger cannot wait to get back into action as his men aim to get the 8-2 thrashing at Manchester United out of their system with a convincing performance against the Swans.

"For us basically it is a new start. We start now and want to win a strong way," the Arsenal manager said.

"I expect Arteta to have an immediate impact - and Benayoun.

"They are players I admire for their technical qualities. They are mobile and technically gifted. That's the game we want to play, so they should integrate very well.

"They are all good players, and what we want to achieve of course is to make a good team with the players who came in.

"Their quality is not questionable. We have a good opportunity now to show that in the coming games."

Wenger believes the additions have strengthened a squad which saw captain Cesc Fabregas and playmaker Samir Nasri sold, while Belgium centre-half Thomas Vermaelen has joined England midfielder Jack Wilshere on the injury list.

The Arsenal manager, however, insists the signings of more experienced men does not signal a fundamental shift in club policy.

"The ages were not a priority for me - if Arteta and Benayoun were 24 as well I would have taken them," Wenger said.

"It is a fact that they have more experience."

He added: "Our basic policy remains exactly the same - to continue with our style of play, to give a chance to young players who deserve it and to compete at the top level."

Meanwhile, Kemy Agustien says he is ready to step into the breach should Swansea's defensive crisis deepen against the Gunners.

Manager Brendan Rodgers revealed the midfielder has been spending time in the back four during training this week, to provide cover for his paper-thin defensive ranks.

Rodgers will be without new signings Darnel Situ and Rafik Halliche, as the pair are awaiting international clearance from FIFA, while Alan Tate (broken leg) and Garry Monk (foot) are sidelined.

That list of absentees leaves Rodgers with Ashley Williams and Steven Caulker as his only fit centre-halves for the trip to face the Gunners.

And while Dutchman Agustien admits he does not enjoy playing at the back, he is ready to lend a hand.

He said: "You have got to do what you have got to do, we all know the problems, it's not my favourite position but if I need to play there and help the team then I will.

"It's about the team and I will do it. I do not want to disappoint anyone. If the manager puts me there it is because he thinks I have the qualities.

"It doesn't really matter who we are playing against if I have to play there. It is not going to be easy, but I will always give my best for the team."

The Swans find themselves heading to the Emirates Stadium in the surprising position of being above the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League table.

And Agustien, 25, believes Swansea can get a result in London, as long as they have the confidence to take the game to their hosts, although he is disappointed not to get the chance to face Fabregas.

"I want to play against the best players so it's a shame I won't be able to play against Fabregas," he said.

"But Arsenal still have big players, but we have big players as well.

"We need to bring confidence and belief to the game. We are in a good flow and all the pressure will be on them.

"If we can get an early goal that would help because they would have to come on to us then.

"If we start well and keep the ball that will be good, they cannot score without the ball. We have a good chance there."



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