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Potter: Arsenal revolutionised English football

Graham Potter has hailed the impact that previous Arsenal teams have had on English football, and explained that their progress under Arsene Wenger revolutionised the game in this country.

By James Hilsum • 05 December 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter

The Seagulls boss explained that Wenger’s methods of adhering to the small details off the pitch has had a lasting impact on the professionalism of the sport ahead of this evening's game between the two sides at the Emirates.

He said, “Arsene Wenger changed a lot of English football. They had a number of wonderful teams, including the invincibles, and changed the way football was played.

“They put more emphasis on sports science and how we looked after ourselves away from the football pitch.

“They had a series of top teams, with [Emmanuel] Petit and [Patrick] Vieira in midfield, along with other wonderful players like Thierry Henry, and had a great defence with Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

“They created a revolutionary period in British football, and that is thanks to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.”

11:50

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Potter's Arsenal press conference

Albion head into this evening's contest still waiting for their first away win against a so-called ‘big-six’ side in the Premier League, but the Seagulls boss says it’s not something which plays on his mind heading into the game.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a milestone [winning away at a top-six side]. When you come up from the Championship to the Premier League, it’s not easy to beat the top sides at their place," he continued. 

“They’re in those top six positions for a reason, and everyone struggles a bit to get those results. But we’ve got to keep working, and believing in what we’re doing. That’s important for us.

“Ultimately we respect the opposition, but if we could win, it would be great for our confidence. It would be nice for the points tally, so we’ll try everything to get a result.”

18:11

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Extended highlights: Liverpool 2 Albion 1

Potter’s currently men sit 16th in the Premier League table after losing their last three games, but the head coach highlighted that the situation can change very quickly in England's competitive top-flight.

“If we had won the Manchester United game, we’d have gone up to fifth in the table. Then we play Manchester United, Leicester and Liverpool, and things turn quickly, that's life. 

“But any result gives you confidence, particularly if you can go and get one at a top-six team. We’ve gone to Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool and now we face Arsenal away from home.

“We would’ve played all of those sides away from home after tonight, and we’re still at the start of what we’re trying to do. It isn’t so easy, but we’ve learned a lot and we need to take that into the games ahead.”

Christmas cracker at the Amex!