Wenger eyes strong start to season

After winning the English FA Community Shield, Arsenal Boss, Arsene Wenger, hopes to avoid a bad start to their Premier League season.

The Gunners have lost on the opening day in three of the last four seasons and the coach hopes his side will go into the game with the same spirit with which they played Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Arsenal will begin their quest for the 2017-18 league title this Friday against former champions, Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

“We had the intensity in the games in our preparation that is needed to be ready,” said Wenger.

“Let’s go into the Premier League with the same discipline, the same spirit and see where we can go.”

About Alexis Sanchez staying at the Emirates Stadium this season, Wenger added: “I cannot stop all the speculation but Sanchez is focused. For the 273rd time, yes [he will stay after 31 August],” Wenger said.

“We are here a lot today because of players like Sanchez and Ozil so I wanted them to be part of it.

“It’s down to us to put a positive atmosphere around the team. A lot was created by my own situation. Maybe I made a mistake. Overall I believe that it’s down to us. The trend has always to come from the team.”

Arsenal lifted the Community Shield on Sunday at Wembley after beating reigning League champions, Chelsea, 4-1 on penalties.

They finished on fifth position in the league last season but won the FA Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.