Swansea 1 Arsenal 2: Wenger calls on Gunners to remain focused
Swansea 1 Arsenal 2: Arsene Wenger won't be distracted by talk of a title challenge after Gunners move two points clear
Arsene Wenger is refusing to be distracted by talk of a title challenge after Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to two points with victory at Swansea City.
After a goalless first half, Germany Under-19 international Serge Gnabry fired Wenger’s men into the lead at the Liberty Stadium.
The in-form Aaron Ramsey rifled home his eighth goal of the season shortly after, before Ben Davies’ volley set up a tense finale.
However, the north Londoners held on to make it five straight wins in the league and move two points ahead of Tottenham, who drew with Chelsea earlier in the day.
“It’s [still] early in the season,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “We had a good opportunity today, and I think the quality of a team in the season is to take an opportunity when you have one.
“Our spirit was tested after the first home game and the way we responded is of course very positive.
“In this job it’s very important that you keep focus, purpose and desire to improve. Let’s focus on that.”
He added: “The Premier League has shown last year that you can drop points everywhere and that’s the case again this year.”
Wenger praised his side for keeping their composure after a scrappy first half at the Liberty Stadium.
“The first half was quite difficult,” he continued. “I felt we were a bit slow in our combinations and Swansea were sharper than us.
“It was a question of patience without making mistakes. In the second half we were much stronger. We had our level and took advantage of the chances we created.
“We have substance in the team. You could see that today in the second half, when we came out with purpose to win the game.”
The Frenchman also reserved special praise for Gnabry after another impressive display on the right wing following Theo Walcott’s abdominal injury.
“He’s 18 years old,” Wenger said of Gnabry. “Talent is always together with an early start and early quality on the pitch – that’s what he’s showing.
“We give him the confidence but he had another good game today.”
