Wenger: Squad invincible as ever
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists his squad is just as strong as the one that marched to the Barclays Premiership title without tasting defeat two seasons ago.
The Gunners meet Sunderland in the Carling Cup tonight, a match for which key players Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Gilberto, Kolo Toure and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann are likely to be rested.
Arsenal cannot afford defeat in the third-round tie at the Stadium of Light as they are already 12 points behind leaders Chelsea in the league – but Wenger claims the current group of players lacks nothing in comparison with those who helped the club to the league crown in 2004.
“I feel we have as strong a squad now as when the team went undefeated,” Wenger said.
“But it’s up to us to show it. When I see the quality I see in training, it’s about how much we want to show it on the pitch.
“It’s a very exciting time. We are questioned about the quality of the team we have – but that shows how strong we are.”
The north Londoners have struggled with injuries to key players this term, and have suffered from the summer sale of midfielder Patrick Vieira to Juventus.
Ashley Cole, Jose Antonio Reyes, Sol Campbell, Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb are all out with injury, while top scorer Henry made his first start since August 24 against Manchester City on Saturday after finally recovering from a groin injury.
But Wenger revealed he has little desire to bring in new players when the transfer window reopens in January.
“We have been hit hard with injuries,” the 56-year-old boss continued.
“We lost our three games after the international breaks – those were very difficult away fixtures.
“And not only did we play away and lose after the breaks, but each time we lost a key player, which was a high price to pay.
“If someone I rate becomes available in the transfer market, I will look to make a move.
“But I’m not in a desperate need [to buy] and I am very confident we will come back.”
