Wenger asks fans to forgive Adebayor

Arsene Wenger believes Emmanuel Adebayor deserves to be given a second chance by Arsenal fans after his pre-season flirtation with a move away from the Premier League club.
Adebayor had hinted that he was tempted by reported offers from AC Milan and Barcelona but a transfer never materialised. The Togo striker's perceived lack of loyalty angered the Arsenal faithful, who booed him during a pre-season friendly and again in last weekend's victory over West Bromwich Albion.
However, Wenger is convinced Adebayor, who has now agreed a new contract, has been harshly treated because some of the targetman's comments were misrepresented.
"I believe that Emmanuel has been unfairly treated, because he had a lot of interest from many big clubs and he always told me one-to-one his preference was to stay. In the end he stayed," Wenger said. "That story did not come out like that in the press and unfortunately he is paying a price for a story which is not really him.
"He made a press conference in Austria where people interpreted his statements a bit differently, but I know what he told me, and I know he made sacrifices to stay. I was convinced he wanted to stay, but I was not always convinced he would stay because there is a big difference in that. People have advisors and some clubs pay higher wages than we do, we have to accept that."
Wenger needs Adebayor to be at his best this season if the Gunners are to cope with the threat from resurgent Chelsea. The French coach was impressed with the way Chelsea demolished Portsmouth 4-0 in Luiz Felipe Scolari's first match but remains confident his side can compete with the Blues.
"I watched the first half, and then stopped watching because I felt the game was over," Wenger said. "Chelsea were very good, but Portsmouth had a bad day at the office, that can happen to anybody. Before they could even get into the game, it was already over for them.

Chelsea were impressive but on one game you cannot assess too much. Chelsea will be one of the super candidates to fight for the title, but I feel we have enough to fight with them
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal's chances of matching Chelsea.
"However, Chelsea were impressive but on one game you cannot assess too much. Chelsea will be one of the super candidates to fight for the title, but I feel we have enough to fight with them."
New signing Mickael Silvestre may not feature at Fulham on Saturday because of a muscle strain, but Cameroon midfielder Alex Song should come back into contention after returning from the Olympics. Cesc Fabregas won't be rushed back after a hamstring problem and instead has been pencilled in for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against FC Twente.
Wenger believes Silvestre's arrival will add some much needed experience to a squad that lost their nerve in the final weeks of last season. "There was not one factor why we fell away last season, it was a conjunction of a few things, like injuries, some bad luck as well as a bit of inexperience and nervousness," Wenger said.
"We have a short squad, yes, and we cannot afford 10 injuries like other teams with big numbers. But I think we have the right number of players who can compete at the top level when everyone is fit. That is not the case at the moment, but through the season we should get guys like Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo back."