Wenger Cautious Of Carroll

Arsene Wenger has insisted that his team will not be taking the threat from West Ham striker Andy Carroll lightly as Arsenal visit at Upton Park to take on West Ham. This will be an important match for the gunners given that they have to win in order to maintain their push for a top four place. A victory would take them about Everton, although the toffees have the opportunity to claw back the advantage when they take on Manchester United during the weekend. Arsenal slipped behind Everton following the latest round of league matches.

Despite qualifying for the FA Cup finals, Arsene Wenger has stated on several occasions that finishing in the top four is more important. A victory in the FA Cup offers around £ 2 million in revenue and prize money, while being in the group stages of the Champions League alone is estimated to be worth more than £ 30 million. One of the biggest threats from now till the end of the season would be the match at Upton Park.

Despite Arsenal having registered six straight victories against the hammers, Wenger is not taking this match easily. He is also wary of the threat from former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who is just returning to full fitness.

“Yes [we must take special care with him] because once the ball is up there, you do not find many people who can compete with him and win the challenge. So what is important is that we stop the balls going to him. Of that quality, in the air, there are not many [players of that quality]. West Ham are in a comfortable position, that means they can play without fear. We have a battle with Everton and of course it’s now down to consistency,” said Wenger ahead of the match.