Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits that a Christmas programme which features games against struggling Wolves, QPR and Fulham could define the club’s Premier League season.
“We know we have an opportunity to gain a better position on the table. It’s down to us to do our job,” Wenger said ahead of today’s clash with Wolves.
“In the Premier League the Christmas period is vital to get your points. We have responded well to our defeat at Man. City with a win at Aston Villa, so now it’s down to us to do the job at home and get the points against Wolves.”
Meanwhile, Wenger believes his lack of cover at left-back is worrying – but he is yet to make any enquiry about a short-term replacement.
Wenger was left without a recognised left-back after Kieran Gibbs had surgery on his groin on Thursday. Gibbs is expected to be out of action for a month and he joins fellow defender Santos on the sidelines.
Wenger is currently making do with centre-half Thomas Vermaelen at left-back and he admitted he may have to enter the transfer market in the beginning of January.
Wayne Bridge, who has played one match for Manchester City this season, has been mooted as a potential loan target for Arsenal.
“It can only be a short-term solution for us because we have bought Santos, we have Gibbs, we have Vermaelen who can play there, so we do not need a long-term solution,” said Wenger.
“Long term, I am sticking to Santos and Gibbs, I love both of them because they have a quality I like, which is to attack. I haven’t made any enquiry yet (for Bridge), so for the moment not him or anyone else.”
Defender Johan Djourou is still a doubt for the Wolves game, but apart from long-term absentees Gibbs, Santos and Jack Wilshere, Arsenal have no injury issues.
On Wolves, Wenger added: “They have the Mick McCarthy spirit and attitude, they never give up.
“They play a very positive game so we know what to expect. They fight to stay in the league and you know it is always an intense game.”
Wolves midfielder Karl Henry has branded their lowly position in the table “not acceptable” as they prepare to head to the Emirates Stadium.
“Have Wolves had under-achieved this season? One hundred per cent. I don’t think anyone is in disagreement about that,” Henry said.
“We know it’s not acceptable where we are in the league. If you had asked us where we wanted to be at the start of the season, it certainly wouldn’t be in or just above the relegation zone.
“We expected more points than we’ve got and it makes it hard every game you go into now. Yes, we need more points.”
Wolves will be without midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who has been ruled out for up to six weeks after surgery on a double hernia.