Embattled Wenger calls for ‘united front’

ARSENE WENGER has called for Arsenal to produce a “united front” on and off the field when they run out at the Emirates Stadium for tonight’s Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese.

The Gunners yesterday saw their captain Cesc Fabregas rejoin Barcelona after reluctantly letting him return to the Nou Camp in a £35 million deal, bringing an end to the long-running transfer saga.

In the opening game of the new Premier League campaign at Newcastle on Saturday —which ended goalless — chants of “spend some money” were directed from the away end.

Wenger, though, remains steadfast in his belief all is not yet lost as the squad prepares for an early test of their credentials in order to make it through to the lucrative group stages of Europe’s elite club competition once again.

“I just expect my team to have a good game tomorrow and that will encourage their belief and strengthen their belief. At the moment that is the most important thing,” Wenger said.

“I understand everybody’s worry, but I believe as well a club is a united front.It is an important period for this club, but I am confident we will get over it in a very successful way.

“We need to remain united and not let the media manipulate our fans in a way they should not.”

Wenger, though, knows failure to beat Udinese convincingly tonight — when the Gunners are without suspended duo Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie — will leave more unanswered questions.

“You never knock somebody from Italy out in an easy way so we prepare ourselves for big challenges,” he said.

“But we know we are prepared for that and we are ready to give our all to be part of the Champions League group stage. We will try to give our best to win the game tomorrow without conceding goals.’’

Meanwhile Arsenal and Newcastle have both been charged by the FA for failing to control their players during Saturday’s bad-tempered goalless draw at St James’ Park.

Gunners forward Gervinho was sent off in the second half for striking Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton after the pair had squared up following what the home side claimed was a dive in the penalty area.

Arsenal have appealed that red card, but their midfielder Alex Song could now also face disciplinary action after his stamp on Barton, which had inflamed the situation, was missed by referee Peter Walton.

Newcastle confirmed in a statement they will deny the charge.