Barclays Premier League 2013.11.25 Fixtures
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Barclays Premier League 2013.11.25 Fixtures
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AC Milan have nothing to prove, says Lennon
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has claimed that AC Milan have “nothing to prove” in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash in Glasgow.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side have failed to win in their last seven games, prompting angry demonstrations from fans at the weekend, yet the Northern Irishman believes that the Serie A outfit should be treated with the utmost respect.
“We're playing against a very good side despite what the recent league form has been showing,” he told the media.
“They may have to prove a point to their supporters, but not to anyone else around the world. They've beaten us, they've drawn against Barcelona, they've drawn away in Amsterdam.
"Their results have been solid in the group. They have a great chance to go through and maybe that'll be the springboard for them.”
The battle for second behind Barcelona in Group H is intense, with Milan leading the way on five points and Celtic bringing up the rear on three.
Although Lennon has not given up hope of qualifying, he is aware that much rests on the Parkhead fixture.
“In the context of the Champions League, it is the game you have to win to have any chance of qualifying," he reasoned.
"It's a great game for the players to be involved in. We've performed very well in the group, apart from the first half in Amsterdam. So I want that to continue [on Tuesday].
“We'll try to take the game to Milan at every opportunity. I think that's imperative; the fans will want that. How much Milan allow us to do that, it remains to be seen.”
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has claimed that AC Milan have “nothing to prove” in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash in Glasgow.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side have failed to win in their last seven games, prompting angry demonstrations from fans at the weekend, yet the Northern Irishman believes that the Serie A outfit should be treated with the utmost respect.
“We're playing against a very good side despite what the recent league form has been showing,” he told the media.
“They may have to prove a point to their supporters, but not to anyone else around the world. They've beaten us, they've drawn against Barcelona, they've drawn away in Amsterdam.
"Their results have been solid in the group. They have a great chance to go through and maybe that'll be the springboard for them.”
The battle for second behind Barcelona in Group H is intense, with Milan leading the way on five points and Celtic bringing up the rear on three.
Although Lennon has not given up hope of qualifying, he is aware that much rests on the Parkhead fixture.
“In the context of the Champions League, it is the game you have to win to have any chance of qualifying," he reasoned.
"It's a great game for the players to be involved in. We've performed very well in the group, apart from the first half in Amsterdam. So I want that to continue [on Tuesday].
“We'll try to take the game to Milan at every opportunity. I think that's imperative; the fans will want that. How much Milan allow us to do that, it remains to be seen.”
Klopp: No crisis at Dortmund
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the suggestion that Borussia Dortmund are in crisis after a run of three successive defeats.
After a shock loss at Wolfsburg, they slipped seven points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich after being routed 3-0 by their great rivals at the weekend, while a 1-0 reverse at home to Arsenal on matchday four has left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
However, Klopp insists that his players have not been affected by their disappointing run of form and is expecting them to bounce back in Tuesday's must-win European showdown with a Napoli side that will arrive at Signal Iduna Park on the back of successive Serie A losses.
"We cannot influence public opinion about our games. We have lost three in a row, but some players had internationals in between and won there, so that should give them a boost," the Dortmund boss reasoned.
"We have the feeling we've dropped some points along the way, points we would have liked to have taken, but this will help Napoli only if we play badly tomorrow.
"We are highly focused and cannot be knocked off course so easily.
"Napoli lost against Parma [on Saturday] but I don't think anyone there is speaking of a crisis.
"Maybe two 'crisis-stricken' clubs will meet now – in the end hopefully nobody will notice that on the pitch.
"Some people have said this is the strongest of all the groups. Some have said it is the most exciting one. It will depend on us to keep things exciting.
"Nobody can be sure of themselves. What is a fact is that if we don't win twice, starting from tomorrow, things will be difficult for us."
Dortmund currently sit third in Group F, three points behind Arsenal and Napoli, who only need to pick up a point at Signal Iduna Park to seal their place in the last 16.
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the suggestion that Borussia Dortmund are in crisis after a run of three successive defeats.
After a shock loss at Wolfsburg, they slipped seven points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich after being routed 3-0 by their great rivals at the weekend, while a 1-0 reverse at home to Arsenal on matchday four has left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
However, Klopp insists that his players have not been affected by their disappointing run of form and is expecting them to bounce back in Tuesday's must-win European showdown with a Napoli side that will arrive at Signal Iduna Park on the back of successive Serie A losses.
"We cannot influence public opinion about our games. We have lost three in a row, but some players had internationals in between and won there, so that should give them a boost," the Dortmund boss reasoned.
"We have the feeling we've dropped some points along the way, points we would have liked to have taken, but this will help Napoli only if we play badly tomorrow.
"We are highly focused and cannot be knocked off course so easily.
"Napoli lost against Parma [on Saturday] but I don't think anyone there is speaking of a crisis.
"Maybe two 'crisis-stricken' clubs will meet now – in the end hopefully nobody will notice that on the pitch.
"Some people have said this is the strongest of all the groups. Some have said it is the most exciting one. It will depend on us to keep things exciting.
"Nobody can be sure of themselves. What is a fact is that if we don't win twice, starting from tomorrow, things will be difficult for us."
Dortmund currently sit third in Group F, three points behind Arsenal and Napoli, who only need to pick up a point at Signal Iduna Park to seal their place in the last 16.
Malaga 1-2 Athletic Bilbao: Muniain snatches last-gasp win for Basques
An 85th-minute winner from Iker Muniain has lifted Athletic Bilbao to a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Malaga on Monday.
The forward struck late on, just moments after the hosts had been reduced to 10 men at the Estadio La Rosaleda. Juanmi had given Malaga a 38th-minute lead but his opener was cancelled out by Mikel San Jose in the second half.
Bilbao moved six points clear in fifth in La Liga after the victory, while Malaga sit 14th and just a point above the relegation zone.
Bernd Schuster's Malaga took the lead seven minutes before half-time thanks to Juanmi's smart header. A cross-field pass to the right saw Marcos Angeleri centre a header from the right and Juanmi got in front of his marker to beat Gorka Iraizoz.
Ernesto Valverde's side levelled with 21 minutes remaining thanks to San Jose. A Markel Susaeta corner led to the defender meeting the cross with his head, with the effort sneaking in at the back post.
Francisco Portillo was sent off for Malaga in the 83rd minute, picking up his second yellow card in an eight-minute period. And Bilbao took advantage just two minutes later as Muniain sent the group of travelling fans home happy.
Ander Herrera was freed down the right and crossed for Muniain, whose initial effort was wonderfully saved by Wilfredo Caballero but he tapped in the rebound.
An 85th-minute winner from Iker Muniain has lifted Athletic Bilbao to a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Malaga on Monday.
The forward struck late on, just moments after the hosts had been reduced to 10 men at the Estadio La Rosaleda. Juanmi had given Malaga a 38th-minute lead but his opener was cancelled out by Mikel San Jose in the second half.
Bilbao moved six points clear in fifth in La Liga after the victory, while Malaga sit 14th and just a point above the relegation zone.
Bernd Schuster's Malaga took the lead seven minutes before half-time thanks to Juanmi's smart header. A cross-field pass to the right saw Marcos Angeleri centre a header from the right and Juanmi got in front of his marker to beat Gorka Iraizoz.
Ernesto Valverde's side levelled with 21 minutes remaining thanks to San Jose. A Markel Susaeta corner led to the defender meeting the cross with his head, with the effort sneaking in at the back post.
Francisco Portillo was sent off for Malaga in the 83rd minute, picking up his second yellow card in an eight-minute period. And Bilbao took advantage just two minutes later as Muniain sent the group of travelling fans home happy.
Ander Herrera was freed down the right and crossed for Muniain, whose initial effort was wonderfully saved by Wilfredo Caballero but he tapped in the rebound.
Manchester City thrashing was worst of my career - Holtby
Lewis Holtby has publicly apologised for Tottenham’s dismal 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Spurs had previously boasted the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League, only conceding six goals in the opening 11 games of the season, but were humiliated by Manuel Pellegrini's men.
And Holtby, who moved to White Hart Lane from Schalke in January, has promised there will be no repeat of his team’s embarrassing performance.
“It is still hard to take,” the Germany international wrote on his Facebook page.
“I definitely couldn’t sleep yesterday; it was probably the worst defeat in my life. Sorry to all of you Lilywhites.
“We have to show character now and bounce back from it! It isn’t over until it's over.”
Tottenham have collected just one point from three Premier League matches in November without finding the net.
Lewis Holtby has publicly apologised for Tottenham’s dismal 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Spurs had previously boasted the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League, only conceding six goals in the opening 11 games of the season, but were humiliated by Manuel Pellegrini's men.
And Holtby, who moved to White Hart Lane from Schalke in January, has promised there will be no repeat of his team’s embarrassing performance.
“It is still hard to take,” the Germany international wrote on his Facebook page.
“I definitely couldn’t sleep yesterday; it was probably the worst defeat in my life. Sorry to all of you Lilywhites.
“We have to show character now and bounce back from it! It isn’t over until it's over.”
Tottenham have collected just one point from three Premier League matches in November without finding the net.
De Rossi: Roma still having a good season despite draws
A defiant Daniele De Rossi challenged anyone to argue that Roma are not having a good season - even though they failed to reclaim top spot in Serie A by drawing 1-1 at home to Cagliari on Monday night.
After kicking off their campaign with 10 successive victories, the Giallorossi had been hoping to get back to winning ways after being held by both Torino and Sassuolo in their two previous outings.
However, a combination of poor finishing and sensational goalkeeping from Vlada Avramov meant Roma were forced to settle for a point for the third consecutive game, much to De Rossi's frustration.
"We're disappointed because we have created so many chances but, unfortunately, we didn't take them," the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
"We have nothing to complain about, though. We have hit the post and the Cagliari goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch.
"I don't know what you could blame us for, as there was plenty of commitment: we tried right until the end; our shape was always there.
"We still have a seven-point advantage on fourth place. We want to go into the Champions League, although obviously we will try to again take top spot in a championship that remains very positive for us.
"I challenge anyone to say differently."
Roma's draw means that they are now one point behind two-time defending champions Juventus, who went top on Sunday courtesy of a 2-0 win over Livorno.
A defiant Daniele De Rossi challenged anyone to argue that Roma are not having a good season - even though they failed to reclaim top spot in Serie A by drawing 1-1 at home to Cagliari on Monday night.
After kicking off their campaign with 10 successive victories, the Giallorossi had been hoping to get back to winning ways after being held by both Torino and Sassuolo in their two previous outings.
However, a combination of poor finishing and sensational goalkeeping from Vlada Avramov meant Roma were forced to settle for a point for the third consecutive game, much to De Rossi's frustration.
"We're disappointed because we have created so many chances but, unfortunately, we didn't take them," the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
"We have nothing to complain about, though. We have hit the post and the Cagliari goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch.
"I don't know what you could blame us for, as there was plenty of commitment: we tried right until the end; our shape was always there.
"We still have a seven-point advantage on fourth place. We want to go into the Champions League, although obviously we will try to again take top spot in a championship that remains very positive for us.
"I challenge anyone to say differently."
Roma's draw means that they are now one point behind two-time defending champions Juventus, who went top on Sunday courtesy of a 2-0 win over Livorno.
Roma 0-0 Cagliari: Giallorossi held for third consecutive game
Roma failed to reclaim top spot in Serie A as their winless run was stretched to three games with a 0-0 home draw against Cagliari.
Rudi Garcia’s men began the season with 10 straight wins but have now been held to a trio of draws in succession and sit one point behind Juventus.
Cagliari goalkeeper Vlada Avramov was chiefly responsible for ensuring Roma were unable to score on Monday evening, the 34-year-old pulling off a number of fine saves.
However, Cagliari had sporadic opportunities of their own and even found the net in the second half through Marco Sau, only for the goal to be correctly ruled out for offside.
Gervinho and Maicon tested Avramov inside the first five minutes as Roma started brightly.
Alessandro Florenzi should have done better when firing over from 20 yards and Miralem Pjanic dragged an effort narrowly wide before the hosts survived a significant scare in the 33rd minute.
Victor Ibarbo's header appeared destined for goal, but Morgan De Sanctis sprung to his left to pull off a terrific reaction stop.
Roma responded impressively, with Gervinho heading firmly against Avramov’s right-hand post and Kevin Strootman forcing the goalkeeper into further action from close range.
Avramov was busy again early in the second half, keeping out a volley from Florenzi before Mehdi Benatia made a mess of the follow-up.
Maicon then tried his luck with a powerful effort towards the top-left corner and the impressive Avramov was again equal to the task.
Cagliari looked to have taken a shock lead in the 54th minute, but the linesman's flag cut short their celebrations after Sau had headed home.
Roma were soon back on the front foot but their frustration was epitomised by coach Garcia being sent to the stands following a disagreement with the match officials.
The visitors retained an occasional attacking threat and De Sanctis had to be alert when pushing away Sebastian Eriksson's long-range effort.
Yet, after Benatia had been forced off through injury, it was Avramov who fittingly had the final say in stoppage time.
A header from Adem Ljajic was helped towards goal by substitute Nicolas Burdisso but Cagliari's keeper got down well to tip the ball around the post.
Roma failed to reclaim top spot in Serie A as their winless run was stretched to three games with a 0-0 home draw against Cagliari.
Rudi Garcia’s men began the season with 10 straight wins but have now been held to a trio of draws in succession and sit one point behind Juventus.
Cagliari goalkeeper Vlada Avramov was chiefly responsible for ensuring Roma were unable to score on Monday evening, the 34-year-old pulling off a number of fine saves.
However, Cagliari had sporadic opportunities of their own and even found the net in the second half through Marco Sau, only for the goal to be correctly ruled out for offside.
Gervinho and Maicon tested Avramov inside the first five minutes as Roma started brightly.
Alessandro Florenzi should have done better when firing over from 20 yards and Miralem Pjanic dragged an effort narrowly wide before the hosts survived a significant scare in the 33rd minute.
Victor Ibarbo's header appeared destined for goal, but Morgan De Sanctis sprung to his left to pull off a terrific reaction stop.
Roma responded impressively, with Gervinho heading firmly against Avramov’s right-hand post and Kevin Strootman forcing the goalkeeper into further action from close range.
Avramov was busy again early in the second half, keeping out a volley from Florenzi before Mehdi Benatia made a mess of the follow-up.
Maicon then tried his luck with a powerful effort towards the top-left corner and the impressive Avramov was again equal to the task.
Cagliari looked to have taken a shock lead in the 54th minute, but the linesman's flag cut short their celebrations after Sau had headed home.
Roma were soon back on the front foot but their frustration was epitomised by coach Garcia being sent to the stands following a disagreement with the match officials.
The visitors retained an occasional attacking threat and De Sanctis had to be alert when pushing away Sebastian Eriksson's long-range effort.
Yet, after Benatia had been forced off through injury, it was Avramov who fittingly had the final say in stoppage time.
A header from Adem Ljajic was helped towards goal by substitute Nicolas Burdisso but Cagliari's keeper got down well to tip the ball around the post.
Consistent Arsenal deserve to be top - Giggs
Ryan Giggs admits Arsenal deserve to be top of the Premier League but insists Manchester United can still challenge for the title.
David Moyes’ side currently lie sixth after an indifferent start to the season, seven points behind the table-topping Gunners.
But Giggs insists that despite United's 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Sunday, they remain in with a good chance of retaining their league title.
It has been a disappointing start,” the Welshman told Talksport. “The last 10 games have not been too bad – I think we were unbeaten in eight or nine games – but [Sunday] was a game we should be winning.
“Only Arsenal – who are up there and deserve to be up there - have shown consistent form. It’s been a crazy season, we need to hang in there when we’re not playing at our brilliant best and get a run together.
“The team that does that will have a great chance of winning league.”
Giggs has made 951 appearances for the Red Devils since exploding into the first team as a fearless, fleet-footed winger in 1991.
And the veteran admits he sees something of himself in Adnan Januzaj, the latest wonderkid to grace Old Trafford.
“He takes the ball and has good balance and is exciting - like when I first got in the team. He’s an exciting player for the fans and for the other [first-team] players and academy players,” Giggs added.
“They can look up and see it’s possible to make it in the first team if you work hard and in the right way.
“I think he’s got about seven or eight countries that he can choose from. I tried to nick him for Wales but he’s not interested!”
Ryan Giggs admits Arsenal deserve to be top of the Premier League but insists Manchester United can still challenge for the title.
David Moyes’ side currently lie sixth after an indifferent start to the season, seven points behind the table-topping Gunners.
But Giggs insists that despite United's 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Sunday, they remain in with a good chance of retaining their league title.
It has been a disappointing start,” the Welshman told Talksport. “The last 10 games have not been too bad – I think we were unbeaten in eight or nine games – but [Sunday] was a game we should be winning.
“Only Arsenal – who are up there and deserve to be up there - have shown consistent form. It’s been a crazy season, we need to hang in there when we’re not playing at our brilliant best and get a run together.
“The team that does that will have a great chance of winning league.”
Giggs has made 951 appearances for the Red Devils since exploding into the first team as a fearless, fleet-footed winger in 1991.
And the veteran admits he sees something of himself in Adnan Januzaj, the latest wonderkid to grace Old Trafford.
“He takes the ball and has good balance and is exciting - like when I first got in the team. He’s an exciting player for the fans and for the other [first-team] players and academy players,” Giggs added.
“They can look up and see it’s possible to make it in the first team if you work hard and in the right way.
“I think he’s got about seven or eight countries that he can choose from. I tried to nick him for Wales but he’s not interested!”
Pinto: I'm not playing for new Barcelona contract
Jose Manuel Pinto has dismissed the suggestion that he is currently playing for his Barcelona future.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper was drafted into the Blaugrana line-up for Saturday's Liga clash with Granada after the Catalans' No.1, Victor Valdes, was ruled out of action for up to four weeks with a calf injury sustained on international duty with Spain.
It was put to Pinto ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Ajax that he could secure a new contract if he impresses during Valdes' absence, given the Roja shot-stopper is set to quit Camp Nou at the end of the season, but the former Celta man insists he is just focusing on the task at hand.
“I’m just taking it as a reward for all my hard work, my commitment to training and all that effort," Pinto told reporters on Monday. "I have nothing to prove and don’t feel like I’m being observed.
"As long as I feel like I have my form, as I do at the moment, then I want to carry on playing football and renewing my contract. I like to take each day as it comes, and right now what I have to do is work.
"Ever since I have been at Barcelona, my contract has renewed itself, and that’s always been because of my hard work, and staying focused.
“Victor is the most in-form goalkeeper around and it’s a challenge to take his place. But it’s a challenge I welcome and I’m using it as an opportunity to grow."
Pinto explained that while former Barcelona attacker Bojan Krkic is the only Ajax player he knows well, he is very wary of the threat posed by Frank de Boer's side.
“Against any team in the Champions League it is dangerous only to think about one player," the veteran shot-stopper warned. “If they’re playing in Europe, it’s because they have lots of quality players."
Jose Manuel Pinto has dismissed the suggestion that he is currently playing for his Barcelona future.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper was drafted into the Blaugrana line-up for Saturday's Liga clash with Granada after the Catalans' No.1, Victor Valdes, was ruled out of action for up to four weeks with a calf injury sustained on international duty with Spain.
It was put to Pinto ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Ajax that he could secure a new contract if he impresses during Valdes' absence, given the Roja shot-stopper is set to quit Camp Nou at the end of the season, but the former Celta man insists he is just focusing on the task at hand.
“I’m just taking it as a reward for all my hard work, my commitment to training and all that effort," Pinto told reporters on Monday. "I have nothing to prove and don’t feel like I’m being observed.
"As long as I feel like I have my form, as I do at the moment, then I want to carry on playing football and renewing my contract. I like to take each day as it comes, and right now what I have to do is work.
"Ever since I have been at Barcelona, my contract has renewed itself, and that’s always been because of my hard work, and staying focused.
“Victor is the most in-form goalkeeper around and it’s a challenge to take his place. But it’s a challenge I welcome and I’m using it as an opportunity to grow."
Pinto explained that while former Barcelona attacker Bojan Krkic is the only Ajax player he knows well, he is very wary of the threat posed by Frank de Boer's side.
“Against any team in the Champions League it is dangerous only to think about one player," the veteran shot-stopper warned. “If they’re playing in Europe, it’s because they have lots of quality players."
Kaka: Tense atmosphere in AC Milan dressing room
Kaka has admitted that the atmosphere in the AC Milan dressing room is "a bit tense" ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League clash with Celtic.
Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Serie A rivals Genoa was the Rossoneri's seventh match in all competitions without a win and it provoked a furious response from their own fans, who blocked all of the exits at San Siro with the intention of forcing the players to come out to face them.
Kaka went to appease the ultras, along with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, and the attacking midfielder freely admits that Milan desperately need a positive result in Glasgow to not only maintain their grip on second place in Group H, but also appease their supporters.
"At the moment, the big problem is that we cannot win," the Brazilian lamented. "[On Tuesday], we will try to win whether we have a good or bad game.
"It is very important for the group that Milan win three points. The atmosphere is a bit tense in the changing room but sometimes it is a motivation.
"We are always under pressure in Milan. Seven matches without a win, it means there is more and more pressure to win the next game. And it will be against a very difficult opponent.
"The atmosphere [at Celtic park] is amazing. A few of my team-mates have played here before. It is never easy against such a great support. It will be the same [on Tuesday]."
Milan go into the game on five points, one ahead of third-placed Ajax, who host Group leaders Barcelona in Amsterdam, and two clear of Celtic.
Kaka has admitted that the atmosphere in the AC Milan dressing room is "a bit tense" ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League clash with Celtic.
Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Serie A rivals Genoa was the Rossoneri's seventh match in all competitions without a win and it provoked a furious response from their own fans, who blocked all of the exits at San Siro with the intention of forcing the players to come out to face them.
Kaka went to appease the ultras, along with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, and the attacking midfielder freely admits that Milan desperately need a positive result in Glasgow to not only maintain their grip on second place in Group H, but also appease their supporters.
"At the moment, the big problem is that we cannot win," the Brazilian lamented. "[On Tuesday], we will try to win whether we have a good or bad game.
"It is very important for the group that Milan win three points. The atmosphere is a bit tense in the changing room but sometimes it is a motivation.
"We are always under pressure in Milan. Seven matches without a win, it means there is more and more pressure to win the next game. And it will be against a very difficult opponent.
"The atmosphere [at Celtic park] is amazing. A few of my team-mates have played here before. It is never easy against such a great support. It will be the same [on Tuesday]."
Milan go into the game on five points, one ahead of third-placed Ajax, who host Group leaders Barcelona in Amsterdam, and two clear of Celtic.
Wenger: No pressure on Ozil
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down concerns over the recent form of Mesut Ozil, insisting he is pleased with the German's contribution since arriving in the summer.
Ozil signed from Real Madrid for a club-record fee of €50 million on deadline day in the summer transfer window and has been a virtual ever-present since joining the Gunners.
And although Wenger believes Ozil's late arrival made his adjustment to the Premier League tougher, he is not putting pressure on him to outshine his team-mates.
"First of all he is a hugely talented player," Wenger told reporters. "He just arrived here three months ago and overall he did not have the best of preparations for the league.
"He is a young player, he is 25 years old so of course there is a lot of room for improvement for him.
"We have plenty of players who can take the ball and play, and because he plays in the central part of the pitch the ball goes through him. But we don't put any special responsibility on him.
"Maybe he feels a bit more pressure to do that. But we just want the game to be played like we see it and we do not put any special responsibility on him. Everybody in our team can deliver great balls."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down concerns over the recent form of Mesut Ozil, insisting he is pleased with the German's contribution since arriving in the summer.
Ozil signed from Real Madrid for a club-record fee of €50 million on deadline day in the summer transfer window and has been a virtual ever-present since joining the Gunners.
And although Wenger believes Ozil's late arrival made his adjustment to the Premier League tougher, he is not putting pressure on him to outshine his team-mates.
"First of all he is a hugely talented player," Wenger told reporters. "He just arrived here three months ago and overall he did not have the best of preparations for the league.
"He is a young player, he is 25 years old so of course there is a lot of room for improvement for him.
"We have plenty of players who can take the ball and play, and because he plays in the central part of the pitch the ball goes through him. But we don't put any special responsibility on him.
"Maybe he feels a bit more pressure to do that. But we just want the game to be played like we see it and we do not put any special responsibility on him. Everybody in our team can deliver great balls."
Manchester United legend Foulkes passes away
Manchester United legend Bill Foulkes died on Monday at the age of 81, the club have confirmed.
Foulkes was a survivor of the Munich air disaster in 1958 and went on to become a stalwart at Old Trafford, making 688 appearances for the club.
The former defender made his debut in 1952 and sits fourth on the club's all-time appearances list, with only Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes having represented United more.
United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward paid tribute to Foulkes, saying on the club's official website: "Bill was a giant character in the post-war history of Manchester United.
"He was a very gentle man, who I was privileged to meet on several occasions, including most memorably with his team-mates at the Champions League final in Moscow, 50 years after his heroics in the Munich air crash.
"Bill's contribution over almost 700 games and nearly 20 years will never be forgotten. The thoughts of everyone at the club – directors, players, staff and fans – are with Bill's family."
Foulkes, who spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford, started in United's 1968 European Cup final win over Benfica at Wembley and was a member of the squad that won four First Division titles.
World Cup hosts Brazil reveal new kit
Brazil have revealed a brand new kit which they will wear at the World Cup finals next summer.
The Selecao will be wearing their traditional all-yellow jersey with green collars, accompanied by blue shorts and white socks.
The 2002 world champions will be determined to make amends for 1950 next year as they had to settle for second spot the last time they hosted the World Cup.
Check out the new Brazil shirt in detail below!
The green and yellow | The iconic colours symbolise creativity and passion in the game
Going for gold | Brazil's star-studded line-up could lead the nation to glory
Riding the crest of a wave | Wolfsburg's Luiz Gustavo wears the colours with pride
Brazil have revealed a brand new kit which they will wear at the World Cup finals next summer.
The Selecao will be wearing their traditional all-yellow jersey with green collars, accompanied by blue shorts and white socks.
The 2002 world champions will be determined to make amends for 1950 next year as they had to settle for second spot the last time they hosted the World Cup.
Check out the new Brazil shirt in detail below!
The green and yellow | The iconic colours symbolise creativity and passion in the game
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Rummenigge: €250m for Messi is absurd
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled out a move for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi as he believes the Argentina international would be too expensive for the Champions League holders.
A recent report from Spain suggested that Bayern were ready to meet the 26-year-old's €250 million exit clause, with the club's honourary president Franz Beckenbauer further fuelling speculation last week with his comments that Messi would be a good signing for the Bundesliga champions.
However, Rummenigge has now made it clear that the Bavarians have no intention of splashing the cash on the prolific attacker.
"Messi? We are talking about figures here that are simply absurd, a transfer fee that is even higher than what we spent on Javi Martinez. We won't go there," Rummenigge told Sky90.
"Plus I know Sandro Rosell. Barcelona would never sell Messi. He is a saint at Barcelona and they will not sell him.
"And I think it would be in Messi's best interest to stay at Barcelona. He fits in perfectly there."
The attacker has a contract with Barca until June 2018.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled out a move for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi as he believes the Argentina international would be too expensive for the Champions League holders.
A recent report from Spain suggested that Bayern were ready to meet the 26-year-old's €250 million exit clause, with the club's honourary president Franz Beckenbauer further fuelling speculation last week with his comments that Messi would be a good signing for the Bundesliga champions.
However, Rummenigge has now made it clear that the Bavarians have no intention of splashing the cash on the prolific attacker.
"Messi? We are talking about figures here that are simply absurd, a transfer fee that is even higher than what we spent on Javi Martinez. We won't go there," Rummenigge told Sky90.
"Plus I know Sandro Rosell. Barcelona would never sell Messi. He is a saint at Barcelona and they will not sell him.
"And I think it would be in Messi's best interest to stay at Barcelona. He fits in perfectly there."
The attacker has a contract with Barca until June 2018.
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