On Arsenal’s Premier League rivals dropping points…
“Yes, many teams dropped points. For us, it was a bit of a repetition of the Wolves game because we didn’t manage to score more than one goal. Then it’s down to not making a mistake at the back and we had to be patient to take our chances. I feel when the repetition of the games is so high, you can’t make a difference with the pace of the game, you have to take your time and focus on not making a mistake. That’s what we did quite well, and Robin van Persie again scored the goal that won us the points.
On QPR’s display...
“It is a good QPR side. They have a good midfield, they played well and they always looked capable of creating something. It is one of the good teams we have seen this season."
On Robin van Persie repeating his scoring exploits in 2012…
“He can, because he is the right age to perform. It is ‘touch wood’ that he can repeat the same number of game but nothing is impossible. I don’t know why tonight at midnight it should suddenly change!”
On whether Van Persie will be disappointed not to set the scoring record…
“He will not tell you, but certainly he will be [disappointed]!”
On being in the top four after a difficult start to the season...
“That’s why when you are in a difficult situation I always said that you have to take the criticism and focus on performing better and improve. I give credit to the players because we have been 17th or 18th in the League and we focused and improved as a team, with a formidable spirit in the side. That got us where we are today. We still have room for improvement, but there a good basis there because the attitude and spirit are really great.”
On Thomas Vermaelen limping off…
“He has a calf strain, so maybe at midnight I will try to find a left back! It is serious enough for him not to play on Monday [against Fulham] or against Leeds for example. We now have three left-backs out [injured]. Francis Coquelin came on in this position and did quite well, but he is a central midfielder.”
On whether he try to sign a left back on loan…
“Straight after the game I don’t know, because I have to analyse it all. Kieran Gibbs is not too far but it would be stupid for us to drop points because we don’t have a left back.”
On Emmanuel Frimpong going to Wolves on loan…
“The reason behind it is that he is in the position of Jack Wilshere, he has the level to play with [Alex] Song in front of him. But he is somebody who needs practice; he needs the rhythm of the games. Mick McCarthy told me he has a good chance to play. I also have Coquelin in this position who can play. One of the two had to go on loan, and Frimpong has a good opportunity at Wolves.
On Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-team chances…
“He is not very far at all, he will play very quickly.”
Source: Arsenal.com on 31 Dec 11
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