'This match will certainly be more open'

In the aftermath of our Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, no one seemed quite sure who the goalless draw suited more.

Arsene Wenger admits the tie is finely-poised ahead of Wednesday's decider, and this is what he told the press conference:

 

on the importance of Wednesday’s game…

It’s an important game and we want to go to the final. We have an opportunity to do it at home against Chelsea. I think the two teams know each other very well. The first leg was very blocked, the second leg will certainly be more open, because at some stage, the teams will have to open up to try to win the game. It should be much more spectacular than the first one.

on knowing how to play Chelsea now...

You’re always cautious to say that because I think the two teams are very close to each other every time they meet and the form of the day can be a decider. The strength of the motivation on the day can be a decider as well. It has always been very tight, they are two good teams, who know each other very well now, so it’s very difficult, it’s very unpredictable.

 

on whether Arsenal are favourites against Chelsea…

Honestly, I don’t see any favourite in that tie. If you look, as we just spoke about, in the last seven games it’s always very tight, so what you could say is that what comes out is no real favourite, but we are at home and we feel strong at home and so we want to take advantage of it.

on using academy products in the side…

Don’t forget Iwobi, Bellerin, we are the only team who plays with four to five players in the starting line up with players who came out of the club.

on whether it is hard for managers to trust youth products…

I mean, if you look at the instability now in the Premier League, it doesn’t encourage managers to take gambles with young players and when they make their team on Friday night they will go more for security and security is experience, than to give a chance to young players.