Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger vows to weed out troublemakers

World Soccer Talk
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger vows to weed out troublemakers
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger vows to weed out troublemakers

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has condemned the disturbances by Gunners' fans following the end of Wednesday night's Capital One Cup victory at Tottenham, and vowed the club will fully cooperate with the authorities to help identify those responsible.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini struck a stunning late winner to secure bragging rights in the north London derby.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by disturbances which saw a minority of the traveling supporters in the corner of the South Stand ripping down hoardings of Tottenham club slogans, with police and stewards forced to intervene.

Arsenal are now working with both Tottenham and the authorities, with banning orders a likely outcome for any offenders.

Wenger was disappointed the incident had taken the shine off what was a positive response to a difficult spell following defeat at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League and also in a fiery clash at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Advertisement

"We cooperate completely with the authorities to sort that out. We don't want any violence," said Wenger, who takes his side to Leicester on Saturday.

"I don't really know what happened but we are the disposal of the authorities to help them to sort it out."

Advertisement

Wenger feels the performance at White Hart Lane showed his squad, which saw several players rotated, have the needed character to get their campaign back on track.

He said: "It shows that we have a big squad at a very strong level and I have always considered that because I have confidence in every single player.

"The team who played at Tottenham basically played at Zagreb the week before. That shows I have great confidence in my players."

Advertisement

Alexis Sanchez has yet to find the net in his eight performances this season.

Wenger admits the Chile forward is working off a hangover from the summer's Copa America success and felt he perhaps should have been given more time to recover.

"I think I played him very early before he was completely fit, physically, that is one explanation," said Wenger.

"The second is that every player who has won a big trophy with the national team takes some while to settle and come back to his best. These are the two main explanations for me.

Advertisement

"Physically he is not completely ready, coming out of a big achievement and that takes time.

"I don't worry for Alexis Sanchez. Even when he doesn't score he is still a major threat for everybody and I am confident he will score very soon."

Arsenal will have midfielder Santi Cazorla back from a one-match suspension after his red card at Chelsea, but must wait on an appeal against an improper conduct charge for defender Gabriel following the fall-out from his clash with Diego Costa.

Wenger said: "He was sorry for what happened and very disappointed, but he is a fighter and his attitude in training the whole week was completely focused and motivated.

Advertisement

"If there is no punishment we are a bit lucky, if there is a punishment I have to take it."

Midfielder Francis Coquelin is recovering from a minor knee problem, while Wenger revealed Jack Wilshere's operation to help heal a hairline fracture in his fibula went well and the England international could be back around Christmas.

Leicester are a place above Arsenal in fourth, having impressed with an unbeaten start to the campaign under new boss Claudio Ranieri.

Wenger believes the Italian is a welcome addition back to the Premier League following his work at Stamford Bridge from 2000 to May 2004.

Advertisement

"He built the (Chelsea) team that was so successful at the start," the Gunners boss said.

"I remember them finishing second in the league with Ranieri and the team was upcoming with young players like John Terry and Frank Lampard, who were the players that contributed to the success of Chelsea."

200+ Channels & Local Sports
200+ Channels & Local Sports
  • Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
  • Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
Every MLS Match in One Place
  • Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
  • Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
  • Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
  • Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
Home of the Premier League
  • Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
  • 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season
    EDITORS’ PICKS

    World Soccer Talk © 2025. Made in Florida.

    World Soccer Talk, like Futbol Sites, is a company owned by Better Collective. All rights reserved. World Soccer Talk is reader-supported and may earn a commission through our partner links.

    Better Collective Logo