Arsene Wenger is positive ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace tomorrow and believes they must start well against the south London side.
The Gunners boss addressed the media today and also revealed his shock at the departure of Tony Pulis.
Positive start required
Wenger was quoted by Daily Mirror, he said: "Palace are an uncomfortable team for everybody.
“We are positive and confident but the performance tomorrow will depend on how we start and how we concentrate.”
On the shock departure of Pulis, the Arsenal manager explained he had seen the former Palace boss on Monday and had no idea tension was high between him and board members inside the club.
Tony Pulis? ‘Complete surprise’
Wenger added: "It was a complete surprise to me. Pulis has done a remarkable job. It was a miracle. I don't know why he left.
"I have never come across this before (manager of year losing job).
"I saw Tony Pulis at managers' meeting on Monday and there was no indication."
Wenger also updated fans on the injury situation at the club when speaking to the official club website.
The Gunners are set to be without various players like Abou Diaby, David Ospina, Serge Gnabry and Theo Walcott but a positive is Laurent Koscielny is expected to be fit.
Koscielny and Chambers
With Koscielny fit, you can expect to see the Frenchman line up alongside young Englishman Calum Chambers.
Arsenal have enjoyed a peaceful pre-season as well, according to Wenger, but he did warn it will all seem irrelevant if they fail to defeat Palace tomorrow afternoon.
Wenger admitted: “(Pre-season?) It’s been very calm, the calmest I’ve known. But the reality is tomorrow at 5.30.”
As always wise words from the Arsenal boss because all the optimism that has been built throughout the summer, following encouraging pre-season results and excellent signings, will be lost if Arsenal lose to Palace tomorrow.
Therefore a good start, as Wenger stated, is key and it could go someway to helping the club enjoy another excellent season.
Expected line-up
Szczesny; Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta; Sánchez, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla; Sanogo
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