Jewell hopeful of Gunners triumph

Last updated : 19 November 2005 By Paul Farrington
Paul Jewell: Confident of victory over Arsenal
The Latics are set to line-up 4-4-2 as usual with Jewell's pre-match focus, as ever, being related to his own sides performance, and billing this game as the biggest so far.

Whilst the manager has been impressed with the results and performances so far this season, he knows that even the smallest dip in performance will be costly at this level.

Consequently, Jewell is focussed on maintaining the top notch work-rate and determination that has won his side so many plaudits this season.

He told wiganathletic.tv: "We're looking forward to the game, its' a great game for us. We're not going to approach as if we shouldn't be here, like it's an FA Cup game. We are in the same league as them and we will treat the game the same as any other game, and that is to prepare thoroughly."

"We're obviously playing against one of the best teams in Europe, and the players are aware of their strengths, but we're going to try and win the game - that's the objective."

After a run of eight victories in nine games, many managers would be getting carried away, however Jewell knows how tough Saturday's game against Arsenal will be, and he was as suprised as many that the Gunners haven't managed to win away so far this season.

Jewell continured: "I think Chelsea are without a doubt the team to beat as far as the Premiership is concerned, they are the scalp. I think anyone on their day, arguably, Arsenal are the best team to watch and I just hope it is not this Saturday."

"Their counter attacking is second to none. They've got great players, and great pace right throughout the side."

Jewell also spoke of the difficult run of fixtures that his side faces in the run up to Christmas. Games against Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Charlton are never going to be easy. He added: "We know we are going to be up against it but because we've got enough points on the board, we can really go into this game. If we get four or five points out of the next five games at this stage of the season then that will be good."

"Obviously a lack of confidence may creep in during that run of games, but we are full of confidence. Arsenal are full of confidence too because they've got Henry back now. It's got all the ingredients of a good game."

"I am surprised they have not won away all season, but I am sure they will arrive here with plenty of confidence and looking to win the game as we are."

Despite all the talk being related to Arsenal and whether they will be good enough to out play Wigan, Jewell was quick to talk up his own sides credentials: "You don't win eight out of nine games like we have by being lucky, so we've given ourselves a bit a platform to build on. We're second in the league and we don't need to go shouting from the rooftops about it."

"Whatever happens on Saturday, the worst that can happen to us is we drop to third. It shows that we've done remarkably well. But we're not satisfied, we want to do even better."

Should Jewell's men take all three points against Arsenal, the heads really will start to turn.