Wenger Praises Gunners in “Revenge” win over Liverpool
Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger has praised his side after avenging their Anfield annihilation to dump Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
The 2-1 fifth-round win at the Emirates Stadium was a welcome triumph for the north London side after a trying week following a
5-1 Premier League mauling on Merseyside and an attack on Wenger from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
“It was vital for us to respond to the disappointing performance we had against Liverpool,” Wenger said.
“I’m very pleased with the intensity of our commitment, our response, our determination. You could feel there was a clinical desire in my team to take every opportunity to kill them.”
Goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski earned Arsenal victory, with Steven Gerrard converting a second-half penalty for Liverpool, who were denied another spot-kick when Luis Suarez was fouled for a second time.
The win means Arsenal play Everton in the sixth round and remain in contention to end their eight-year trophy drought in three competitions.
Wenger was relieved to see his side overcome Liverpool despite the visitors threatening to tear their hosts apart for a second time in eight days. Twice Daniel Sturridge was unable to score in the opening five minutes before the Suarez incident.
Wenger made seven changes to play Liverpool, but expects Jack Wilshere (stiff back), Santi Cazorla (ill), Kieran Gibbs (muscular problem), Bacary Sagna (tired) and Olivier Giroud (tired) to be back in contention for the starting XI against Bayern.
