Wenger set to unleash front three on Swans

LONDON • Arsenal are primed to name Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette in the line-up against Swansea today after the trio all scored against Everton at Goodison Park last Sunday.

The 5-2 Premier League win was the first time that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had played the three players in the same starting XI.

Fitness concerns were the main reason for that in a fledgling season that saw Sanchez and Ozil begin it without extending their contracts, which will expire after the end of this campaign.

"What people questioned is their commitment to the team and the club," Wenger said. "I didn't and what happened on Sunday reinforces my belief even more. What we want from them is to show that week in, week out.

"We created good chances against Everton by playing at a high pace, so the focus will be to put a high pace, and try to create chances and be positive again.

"Ozil, Lacazette and Alexis can create chances, they can score goals, but I believe as well that up front, you depend on the quality of the build-up at the back and at home, the speed of our passing will be important to create chances."

Picking those players means leaving Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott on the bench, but Wenger insisted the starters would have to work hard to keep their places.

"They were very efficient at Everton, they have to be efficient on Saturday," he said. "There is no definite solution, we are in a job where competition counts and if it works, they have to make it work to keep their position."

Swansea have just eight points this season, but have a good record at the Emirates, winning three and drawing one in their last six trips.

And since manager Paul Clement's appointment in January, the Swans have taken points on the road against the top clubs.

They held Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw at Wembley this season, while they won at Anfield and drew at Old Trafford last term.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 28, 2017, with the headline Wenger set to unleash front three on Swans. Subscribe