Wenger focused on Wolves, not Barcelona

Arsene Wenger claims Saturday’s Premier League game against Wolves is far more important than the Champions League tie against Barcelona next week.

And the Arsenal boss is determined to see his side get back on the winning trail.

Arsenal supporters cannot wait for the mouthwatering tie against the Spanish giants next week in the last 16 of the competition.

But Wenger is adamant that the Premier League is more of a priority and his side are determined to make amends for their nightmare performance against Newcastle last week and close the gap on leaders Manchester United.

Arsenal were 4-0 up at half-time but somehow managed to throw away all three points and had to settle for a draw. Wenger is convinced his players will bounce back from that setback and will not have the Barcelona game on their minds.

“There is no Barcelona in mind. There is Wolverhampton in mind. That’s what is important to us, the championship. We fought so hard to be in this position now that the most important thing is that we focus on the Premiership,” Wenger said.

“I cannot even imagine playing against Barcelona next week because it is out of my mind completely.”

Wenger is convinced Arsenal’s home form will prove crucial if they are to overtake Manchester United and win the title this season.

Although Wolves are facing a major relegation struggle, they showed their potential with a victory over United last weekend and the Arsenal manager is expecting another tough game.

“Our home form will be the key for us to have a good chance to win the Premier League. We have responded very well at home but every game is a real challenge for any top team,” he said.

“We can win everywhere; we have shown that again at Newcastle that our potential to score goals away from home is massive. Let’s just be consistent at home.”

“Wolves play in a very positive way. They have changed their approach a little bit – they take care of the quality of their passes. They have a good technical midfield. With Henry, Milijas and O’Hara they are very strong in midfield and so it is very important to take care of our midfield play.”

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out of the Wolves game with a groin injury while Abou Diaby is missing through suspension.

Denilson returns to the squad and Johan Djourou has recovered from a knee injury.