Arsenal had much to celebrate over the weekend as they stayed above Burnley on goal difference.
The first question is on the importance of Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette with Wenger arguing that “they could work properly, as we had the luck that in the International break Sanchez did not play and Lacazette played only one game.”
Questioned on Ozil’s work rate, Wenger describes him as an “Intelligent player an intelligent man” who can “add a defensive side to his game, he is not a specialist, but he can do that job.”
Were Arsenal lucky with the refereeing decisions in the match?
“I did not see that. I did see that the foul was a foul. In a lot of games we have not had the luck.”
Can Arsenal continue at this level?
“People always want definite opinions, nothing is permanent in our job. All we can do is focus on our performance in the next game. Let’s continue to move forward.”
“We have 22 points, Tottenham have 23 points – no-one has made a present to us.”
Wenger resists making any comparison with Burnley.
Leadership communication lesson
Arsene Wenger’s refusal to see advantageous refereeing decisions may raise a wry smile, but they also demonstrate his strategic approach to communications. Wenger uses his post-match interview to positively frame any performance and to praise or defend his players. An incorrect decision in his team’s favour helps him achieve neither objective, so he pays it no attention.