Wenger admits Cech saved Arsenal against Boro

Rob Conlon

Arsene Wenger admits Petr Cech saved Arsenal from a damaging home defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Arsenal boss Wenger had a 67th birthday to forget as Boro came away from the Emirates with a 0-0 draw.

However, Boro could have stolen all three points were it not for a number of saves from Cech.

“It is a game where you had a lot of possession but there were tired legs and you are prone to counter-attacks. You make it difficult for yourself. 75% possession but you could have lost the game, that is modern football,” Wenger told BBC Sport.

“When you are not sharp, you lack creativity in the final third. I must say, we gave everything but we did not have the legs today. The energy levels were a bit down but we were intelligent enough not to lose it. We were exposed at times. When you cannot win, you must not lose.

“They had chances but our goalkeeper saved us today. Petr Cech had a good performance in decisive phases. We tried. You don’t win on command though. We lacked our creative potential around the box. That is part of it.

“At least you can have a drink on your birthday. When you win you deserve it, when you don’t you need it.”