Arsenal must keep up intensity at Stoke - Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger is expecting another stern test of
his side's Premier League title credentials when

Arsenal travel to Stoke on Sunday.
The Britannia Stadium has not been a happy
hunting ground for the Gunners, who have won
just once in the Potteries in the Premier League
era. Wenger's men drew 3-3 at Liverpool on
Wednesday, having led going into stoppage time
only to concede a late Joe Allen equaliser.

With Stoke having already beaten Manchester
City and Manchester United and drawn with
champions Chelsea at home so far this season,
Wenger knows his players will have to match their
level of performance from in midweek to break
their Staffordshire hoodoo.

"It's a similar test to Liverpool,'' he said. "On our
side, we'll need the same intensity again, four
days later, and the same desire and focus. What
we learn in this Premier League is that every week
you think 'look how many surprises we have seen
today, that will not happen again.'

"And the week after, it happens again and again
and again, since the start of the season. That
shows you that the consistency of your focus, the
consistency of your determination will certainly
play a big part in the outcome of this league.''

Arsenal have been consistent in recent months
despite nursing a chronic injury list, which is
beginning to ease at the perfect time for Wenger.

Alexis Sanchez has a chance of being involved at
Stoke following his hamstring injury, while new
recruit Mohamed Elneny could also make his
debut.

With Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta recently
back and Danny Welbeck making a possible
return in a fortnight, Wenger knows they could all
play their part in the coming weeks.

"At the moment we are at the beginning of
January, we are in a strong position in the league
and we have qualified in the Champions League,"
he said.

"We are still in the FA Cup so overall we are still in
a position where we can make our season a
fantastic season. The fact that we have players
coming back from injuries will help.

"I would say Stoke are also sharper because when
we played them [at home, a 2-0 win for Arsenal
on Sept. 12] they were in a bit of a difficult patch
and had some bad injuries.

"Since then, they have developed well and have
moved forward well in the league, with some
convincing results. I'm convinced that both
teams have moved forward since.''