Speaking on Thursday in a pre-match press conference, Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is hopeful that his side can cause a shock this weekend.
The Potters visit Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal have won just one of our last six Premier League fixtures, on Saturday and Hughes thinks his side can continue that trend. Having failed to sign a striker, the pressure will very much be on Arsène Wenger’s side as the home fans expect the squad to start delivering.
MH: They have struggled at home, surprisingly, and maybe on the back of a break, going there this weekend could be a good time to go. #SCFC
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 10, 2015
Hughes suggested that Stoke will set up pretty defensively, hoping to stay in the game before possibly grabbing a goal against the run of play thanks to the pressure that is on Arsenal to keep piling forward in search of a goal.
MH: The key on Saturday is to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game. They will want to start quickly and we have to be ready. #SCFC
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 10, 2015
MH: If we stay in the game for a long period then they will allow us opportunities. They do play quite open – especially at home. #SCFC
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 10, 2015
One thing’s for sure, that sort of approach wouldn’t shock anyone in north London. What’s less certain is how the Gunners will cope with it. Sunderland, Swansea and West Ham have all left the Emirates Stadium with something in the last six Arsenal home games by setting up in an organised fashion. Hopefully we aren’t in for another repeat.