Arsenal ready for crucial part of the season, declares Arsène Wenger

Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal are entering an important period of the season as the focus switches back to the Premier League.

The Gunners were dumped out of the Carling Cup in midweek by Manchester City – and with Arsenal’s Champions League progress secured regardless of next week’s result against Olympiakos, Wenger is focusing on making improvements in the Premier League.

“I don’t think this month will define the season but it’s important for us,” said Wenger. “We have achieved one target by not having to win at Olympiacos. Now we can focus on the Premier League.”

The Arsenal boss expects a difficult trip to the JJB Stadium on Saturday, with Wigan Athletic likely to be buoyed by their a 2-1 victory at Sunderland last weekend.

“Wigan are a good team, they are a dangerous side,” Wenger said. “I think last year was a bit special but overall they had good players.”

“They look like they are coming back with a bit more confidence now and it will be a tough game.”

Wenger also offered his support to Steve Bruce after the former Manchester United defender was dismissed as Sunderland manager on Thursday and suggested others were at fault for the Black Cats’ poor form.

“I think it is a mistake because the one to question at Sunderland is certainly not Steve Bruce,” said Wenger.

“He has competence, the desire to win and he is the last one I would question on that, unfortunately he went through a bad run and paid the price. I’m pretty sure that he should not have done.”