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23rd Oct 2015

Arsene Wenger launches emotional defence of Premier League’s Christmas games

Tom Victor

The Premier League’s traditional Christmas fixtures are a point of contention for fans and commentators alike.

They’ve been used by some as evidence of the England team’s struggles at major tournaments, but at least one Premier League manager is desperate to keep them.

Arsene Wenger admitted he “would cry” if the top flight introduced a winter break, saying the current set-up “is part of the English tradition and English football”.

The approach is understandable when you look at Arsenal’s record during the period: they have lost just three of their last 38 games between December 26 and January 3, winning seven of the last nine including a memorable 7-3 victory over Newcastle in the 2012-13 season.

https://twitter.com/akhmalshaqir/status/285329733368020992

The Frenchman was speaking ahead of Arsenal’s home match against Everton, who are still undefeated away from Goodison Park this season.

Arsenal will be without Aaron Ramsey, and Wenger has criticised the Welsh FA for allowing the midfielder to play 90 minutes against Andorra, claiming it contributed to the injury he suffered in Arsenal’s win over Bayern Munich.