Arsenal look to silence Celtic supporters, ‘all that matters is how we play’ - Wenger
Arsenal look to silence Celtic supporters, ‘all that matters is how we play’ - Wenger
When Arsenal travel to Celtic Park on Tuesday their main objective will be to take the atmosphere out of the game and simply to focus on playing. Celtic hold the record attendance for a European tie. Over 133,00o supporters came to see the Bhoys defeat Leeds in the semi-final of the 1970 European Cup.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects quite the atmosphere for Tuesday’s clash but the Frenchman believes that his side can overcome the off-field influences and manage a win against their Scottish adversaries. The atmosphere is always heated in Scotland,“ said Wenger before adding, "If we play well we can keep the atmosphere low-key and that is all down to our performance.”
Last October Arsenal defeated Turkish giants Fenerbahce 5-2 in a similarly testing atmosphere in Istanbul. After that game Wenger commended his young sides efforts, “I am very proud of the team. The average age was 23 and I am proud because we came in and tried to dictate the game in a very heated atmosphere. It is very pleasing that they seemed to play with no fear.”
The Arsenal gaffer does not think that any atmosphere at Celtic Park will be enough to throw his talented youngsters off their game. “We have been all over Europe to very heated places and we know by experience all that matters is how well we play,” said Wenger.
Wenger has labeled Aiden McGeady, who scored two goals against Aberdeen on Saturday, and Shaun Maloney as threats to the Arsenal defence. "McGeady looks to have all the ingredients, but then Maloney has come back and when we played against Aston Villa he was always a good player, and dangerous,” said the Arsenal boss.
Arsenal will go into the match with confidence after beating Celtic’s rivals Rangers 3-0 in the Emirates Cup, as well as coming off a convincing 6-1 demolition of Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Gunners could be aided by the return of Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby, who are recovering from back and groin injuries respectively.
