Arsenal opened their Europa League campaign on Thursday with a 3-1 win over FC Koln. Even though the scoreline would suggest that the Gunners had an easy outing – we assure you, it was anything but that. Arsenal had to labour for most of the first half but in the second half they shifted gears and picked up all 3 points. And this win gives them some valuable momentum before they face Chelsea during the weekend.
But speaking to the press after the match, Arsene Wenger gave a bit of news that has surely left the Gooners pondering about their chances of beating the defending champions.
You see the Frenchman had made seven changes for the game against Cologne in midweek and both Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil were amongst them. Everyone thought that they were being rested for the big clash in the weekend but Wenger confirmed that both these players were indeed carrying knocks and that is why they were not involved in midweek.
Wenger said that both these players will be assessed before the trip to Stamford Bridge and then only will he take a decision.
Even though the Gunners boss did not give out any more details but the way he delivered the news it felt as if both of them have a high probability of making it to the first eleven on Sunday.
But having said that, this statement from Wenger has certainly sent a few jitters down the Arsenal fans’ spine – as the last thing they would want is another thrashing at the hands of a top team. Alexis Sanchez is back amongst the games for Arsenal but both Ozil and Ramsey remain key figures on the attacking front. And their absence might just be the perfect chance for the Blues to up their game and gain further momentum towards defending their title.
