Source: Team_Talk
Victory is all that matters - Wenger
With leaders Chelsea and Manchester United - on whom Arsenal have a game in hand - clashing at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the trip to Molineux presents Wenger's young side with a real opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of the international break.[LNB]The free-scoring Gunners are certainly in form, the midweek 4-1 demolition of AZ Alkmaar extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions.[LNB]Wenger knows full well the importance of maintaining that momentum on Saturday evening, where victory would see them, temporarily at least, move into second place above United on goal difference, with a home game against Chelsea later this month.[LNB]"You know that a successful season is to grab opportunities when you have it," said Wenger.[LNB]"We have a good opportunity to gain some ground on one of the two teams. That is what we will try to do.[LNB]"I am focused on us winning the game, afterwards I will take any result at Stamford Bridge."[LNB]The Gunners have no fresh injury concerns from their midweek European outing.[LNB]However, defender Gael Clichy (back) and striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) remain sidelined.[LNB]Armand Traore and Carlos Vela (both groin) are close to fitness but will not be included this weekend, and neither will Jack Wilshere (ankle).[LNB]Midfielder Denilson (back) and England forward Theo Walcott (knee) should be training again following the international break.[LNB]Off the pitch, American Stan Kroenke has moved closer to the point where he would be required to make a bid for the whole club by acquiring another 200 shares in Arsenal's parent holding company.[LNB]They came at a cost of £1.7million from chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who famously disparaged Kroenke when the US sports magnate first bought a stake in April 2007, declaring "we don't need his money and we don't want his sort".[LNB]Kroenke, who is already a director, now controls 29.9%, just short of the 30% mark beyond which he would be forced to make an offer for the remaining shares.[LNB]Asked if he thought it was significant that it was Hill-Wood who had sold the latest batch of shares to Kroenke, Wenger agreed but added: "A takeover is certainly not inevitable."[LNB]Much has been made of just what Kroenke - nicknamed 'Silent Stan' for his aversion to the media spotlight - may have in mind for Arsenal.[LNB]However, Wenger said: "Without any doubt, he is interested in football and Arsenal.[LNB]"It can have both a positive and a negative influence, that is the same with every owner.[LNB]"Kroenke is at 29.9% so he is not yet in a position where is has to make a bid, so the situation at the club does not change."[LNB][LNB]
