Wenger wants a merry Xmas

The hectic Christmas period will the make-or-break of Arsenal’s season, according to the club’s manager Arsene Wenger. The Gunners have looked impressive this season as they chase their first silverware since 2005. But their wily 60-year-old manager knows that loss of form and injuries over the festive season can wreck havoc with a club’s title chances. "It's frustrating when players get injured. In England, you get the injuries in November - it is unbelievable when you look at the stats," said Wenger after announcing that both Gael Clichy and Nicklas Bendtner are set for some time on the sidelines. "Normally, in December, you can win or lose the championship, so you want your players to be available. Over this period the pitches can become difficult, your players have played international games and you also have the end of the Champions League group stages."