Source: Team_Talk
Wenger wants Gunners to keep focus
Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal they must not lose focus if they reach the last 16 of the Champions League with victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.[LNB] The Gunners travel to the Ukraine boasting a 100% record from three matches following a blistering start to their Group H campaign, which has seen them chalk up a record 14 goals.[LNB]Shakhtar were crushed 5-1 at Emirates Stadium and another positive result in the Donbass Arena on Wednesday night would see the Premier League club safely through with something to spare.[LNB]However, Wenger maintains there can be no thoughts of letting their efforts in other competitions slip.[LNB]"I do not know if that [qualification] had an effect, but it was [previously] linked with some average Premier League performances," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"However, we will take care of that, because we know it is a danger that can happen."[LNB]Wenger believes his squad are playing with freedom in Europe.[LNB]"We have a very technical team and that suits the Champions League, especially in the group stage, where we have technical superiority," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "We feel that is our natural level.[LNB]"We have the confidence to beat teams, and that makes the difference."[LNB]Arsenal were clinical against Shakhtar, punishing the Ukrainian champions for any lapse in concentration, which started when goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov dropped the ball from a corner which Alex Song bundled home.[LNB]It was a ruthlessness in front of goal which took even Wenger by surprise.[LNB]"I must concede that even against Shakhtar, when you look at the number of shots we had, it was not a massive bombardment, it was just that we took advantage of every mistake," he said.[LNB]"That is linked with quality and confidence of the individual players."[LNB]With the likes of England forward Theo Walcott fit again and France midfielder Samir Nasri in fine goalscoring form, Wenger believes more goals in Ukraine should not be a problem.[LNB]"We have many offensive players and we play them all together, so everyone can turn up at some stage in a dangerous position. That is why the goals are shared," he said.[LNB]"They are not players specialised in goalscoring, more offensive creative players and they can score goals as well."[LNB]England midfielder Jack Wilshere will complete his domestic three-match ban this weekend and is set to reform what looks a promising relationship with captain Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the Arsenal side.[LNB]"It is a partnership going on and that is why I play Jack in a deeper position because he quickly finds Cesc, from then on we can develop our game," Wenger said.[LNB]Despite being in good form, Arsenal have never won in Ukraine, losing on three of their four previous visits.[LNB]Former Gunners striker Eduardo could be in line to start against his old club, having come off the bench to volley a fine consolation goal at Emirates Stadium, which was applauded by the home supporters.
