Arsenal vs Schalke preview - Wenger: We must recover from Norwich misery
Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by PA
Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to get the disappointment of a "very bad moment" at Norwich out of their system by taking a big step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase by beating Schalke.
The Gunners slipped 10 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea when they went down 1-0 at Carrow Road following a lacklustre display on their return from the international break.
Wenger, though, feels the visit of the Germans, who are second in Group B, offers the perfect opportunity for swift redemption.
"We have got over it and we will focus on our next game, that is the only way to deal with it, to put the disappointment behind us and focus on Schalke," the Arsenal manager said.
"As a team, we were not as efficient as we are used to. It can happen in the season. It is just of course at a very bad moment for us.
"I expect us to respond in a strong way because this team is very ambitious and wants to do very well."
Wenger added: "We have a good opportunity, we play at home against Schalke and since we know that we won in Montpellier, our qualifying will depend on how well we do at home."
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey accepts the team must sharpen up again as soon as possible.
"When you have an upset like that you want to get back out there as quickly as possible and put it right. That is what we hope to do on Wednesday, and put ourselves in a really strong position in this group," the Wales international said.
"Maybe there were certain things, but overall we know we weren't good enough on the day to win the [Norwich] game, that is what we were disappointed with.
"We have been doing really well so far this season and each game we felt like we are growing with confidence, so that was one we are disappointed with."
Ramsey added: "In any job if you do something wrong, you want to make up for it as quickly as possible - we are no different, we want to get back out there and hopefully win on Wednesday night."
Despite having a won both their opening two group games and defending an unbeaten run of 16 home games in the Champions League, Wenger warned their can be no complacency against a team which beat Dortmund away on Saturday.
"They are a solid side with good organisation. Up front of course they have [Klaas-Jan] Huntelaar, [Jefferson] Farfan, that we know are well, [Ibrahim] Afellay and [Julian] Draxler. They are dangerous and play a lot on counter-attacks," he said.
Midfielder Jermaine Jones is hoping Schalke can "steal points".
The Gunners top Group B after winning their opening two matches and could take a big step towards qualification for the knockout stage with another victory over the Germans, who lie second after seeing Montpellier secure a last-gasp 2-2 draw in Gelsenkirchen.
Jones - who had a six-month loan spell in the English top flight with Blackburn in 2011 - sees no reason why Schalke cannot build on their impressive win at Dortmund on Saturday with another positive result.
"We come to show that we can steal points. We have respect for the whole Arsenal team, but we are not scared," Jones told a press conference.
"Arsenal will try to avenge their last game. Their league position is not that good.
"I have played here before and know what can happen when you let them play and play to their strengths.
"They are a strong team, but the manager will inform us how they are going to play.
"If we go into the game with the same attitude as against Dortmund, I think we can get something."
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