Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the pressure being applied to his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger is "all part of the game" ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger came in for strong criticism from Gunners fans after substituting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during the closing stages of last weekend's home clash with Manchester United. Arsenal's 2-1 setback was also their third defeat in a row and they are facing a battle to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
But McLeish insists injuries, particularly in defensive areas, have taken their toll on the North London club. When asked about the pressure on Wenger from Arsenal fans, McLeish said: "The name of the game is results and we are all governed by that in terms of the reaction of the fans.
"We can't complain. That is part of the game and you know if you don't get the results, you know you are going to get a bit of stick and criticism.
"Arsenal have had a good season up to two or three weeks ago but they have had a lot of injuries. They are missing great full-backs, also missing Mikel Arteta, and yet people expect them to still keep beating teams like Manchester United who are at full strength.
"They are still a great side, will definitely be favourites against us but we don't fear this game. We feel we've got a chance if we play to our capabilities."
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Yeh right as if other teams dont have injury problems. Look at Man U, this season they have over 9 players injured and still they are second on the table, and still beat us at home, Liverpool squad is not as big as Arsenal's they beat Man city and Man u. But using players injury is an excuse, period. Mr Wenger you are just full of s ...t
It's nice when a manager speaks honestly and with common sense.
We all expect our teams to win even when we are at a low eb with injuries.
Alex mentioned that we have loads of quality players missing and we are expected to still beat a very stong Utd side. (Which isn't realistic)
The only argument the fans can have, and I'm included, is that Arsenal are weak in depth and once the key players are injured the back up ain't up to the job.
Build a stronger squad with quality players throughout the side and stop bringing in potential because we have had plenty of potential for the last 6 years, and we haven't won nothing during that time, Change the game plan please Mr Wenger.
Alex is fair enough. Arsenal's problem is on the injury list but not money. Buying is not the pro-active way to solve the problems.
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