Wenger – How Stoke have improved their ‘creative potential’

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained how Stoke City have ‘improved their creative potential’.

The Potters now boast a number of talented and skilful players in their squad under the management and guidance of Mark Hughes, with the former Chelsea and Manchester United player adding the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Bojan and Xherdan Shaqiri to what is becoming a strong squad.

Many hail Stoke as one of the ‘more attractive teams’ to watch, making their playing style unrecognisable to what they were previously well-known for under Tony Pulis’s tutelage.

Wenger admitted in his pre-match news conference, as reported by the club’s official website, that he believes the difficulties the Gunners have faced at the Britannia will help them when taking on Hughes’ side.

They have done very well. they have moved forward as well because they have improved their creative potential with players like Arnautovic, Afellay, Shaqiri, Bojan – they can create and play.

It is a good challenge for us as well because they have to maintain their record and we can show we have taken a big step forward and can beat them. It is an opportunity we want to take.

I would say Stoke are sharper because when we played them they were in a bit of a difficult patch and had some bad injuries. Since then, they have developed well and have moved forward well in the league, with some convincing results.

I’m convinced that both teams have moved forward since [the game at Emirates Stadium].

It is a similar test to Liverpool where on our side we need the same intensity again four days later and the same desire and focus again. What we have learned in this Premier League… you think ‘How many surprises we have seen today? That will not happen again’. The week after it happened again, and again and again, since the start of the season.

That shows the consistency of your focus, the consistency of your determination, will certainly play a big part in the outcome of this league.

Arsenal face the Potters on Sunday afternoon and have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with both Leicester City and Manchester City closing in on the number one spot..