Wenger's View - The Official Manager's Email to the Registered Fans

Wenger: 'It was a job well done' Dear Arsenal supporter, It was a job well done on Friday night against Coventry. In the second half we dropped our pace a little bit and Coventry had some chances, but we started the match very strongly and we were strong again in the last 20 minutes when Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla gave us a lift after coming off the bench. Lukas Podolski scored twice and you know that when you have a goal chance you want it to fall to him. He is a clinical finisher and he has an unbelievably quick backlift. He is very accurate in his finishing. He can be effective whether he starts or comes off the bench, he is always dangerous. We saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain make his first start since the opening day of the season and it was good to see him back. I liked what he did in the centre of midfield, especially when we had the ball. Defensively he worked hard and it was interesting to see him and Jack Wilshere together. They could be a good partnership in the future for England as well. When Alex came off, Gedion Zelalem came on, and you may have heard the stat that Gedion is the first player to play for the Club who was born after I was appointed as manager. That is more damaging for me than for him! Seriously though, it was a good opportunity to give him a chance to play and he showed when he came on that he is not scared, he is not fazed by the occasion. He wants the ball and you feel there is some vision and personality behind his passing. We have had a short rest after the Coventry match and now we return to Premier League action with a difficult game against Southampton. They started the season very strongly and, although they have had issues off the pitch in recent weeks, we know we will need to be at our very best to get the three points. Thanks for your support. Arsène Wenger