Wenger won't throw in the towel

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal face a "massive challenge" to get back into the top four after losing 2-1 at Tottenham on Sunday.

Last Updated: 04/03/13 at 08:47 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top 4 Finish 12/13 Top 4 Finish: Arsenal 4/11

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Gunners left White Hart Lane empty handed and some seven points adrift of Spurs after first-half goals in the space of two minutes from Gareth Bale - his 20th of an outstanding campaign - and Aaron Lennon proved enough to seal a home victory.

Arsenal had started the game well and rallied hard after Per Mertesacker replied with a header in the 51st minute, but ultimately the Gunners failed to find an equaliser.

Spurs moved back above Chelsea and into third place, with Arsenal now five points behind the Blues and in real danger of missing out on Europe's top club competition for the first time in the 16 seasons of Wenger's reign.

The Gunners boss, though, feels there will be some more twists and turns yet over the final 10 matches of the campaign.

"It will be a massive challenge, I said before the game that we could not afford to drop points," Wenger said.

"However, I still think it is possible and we will fight for it, that is for sure."

Wenger was left perplexed at just how his side lost a game which they dominated for long spells, but paid a heavy price for a couple of inexplicable defensive lapses.

"It is frustrating because we put so much effort in and lost the game when we were on top, we were 2-0 down when we should have been 2-0 up," he said.

"After, it gave them confidence to defend well, which is what they did for the rest of the game.

"It is difficult to understand how you lose a game like that. We had a great attitude and came out with no points because we were not efficient where it matters, at the front and in the back.

"Also, without being at any moment dominated, the only times Tottenham were dangerous was on counter-attacks. If you are dominated and they create chance after chance, okay you accept it, but this was a strange game to lose."

Wenger, whose side are next in action against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their last-16 clash, added: "It happened to us many times this season and only in big games.

"It's difficult to say why, there's no common thing, in all the games there is a different problem, but after you make it difficult for yourself.

"I cannot fault the attitude or the effort that the team produced, or the spirit the team has shown, but you give yourself a mountain to climb every time in a game of that magnitude."

The amount of you lot calling for Wenger's head. He's the ONLY one at the club, other than the fans, who seems to give a sh#t. He's hurting, and none of your squad could care less......yet its Wenger you want out?? He's being let down all round.
- totman

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Champions League: Arjen Robben fires Bayern Munich to final glory over Borussia Dortmund

Arjen Robben's late goal fired Bayern Munich to UEFA Champions League glory with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has signed a one-year contract extension

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has signed a one-year contract extension to tie him to the club until 2017.

Premier League: Michael Laudrup insists he wants to stay at Swansea

Michael Laudrup insists he wants to stay at Swansea - as long as they keep their word and strengthen this summer.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved