Wenger: We must repair mental damage
Arsene Wenger says he’ll have to repair the “mental damage” to his players after the team’s title chances faded with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Arsenal conceded a late equaliser at the Emirates despite having more than 70 percent possession for the game. Having dropped points for the second week in a row following last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at West Ham, Arsenal remain 13 points behind leaders Leicester with five games to play.
That means even Wenger is now more focused on just staying in the top four rather than hoping Leicester will slip up. Arsenal are now in fourth place, behind Manchester City on goal difference.
“After the game today I’m not in that kind of mood to dream about the championship. I’m more in the kind of mood to repair the mental damage and prepare for the next game,” Wenger said at his postmatch news conference.
“It’s much more about that and to look behind us. Because everyone is playing well and winning games. For us it will be a fight until the end to stay in the top four. If we can do more, we’ll do more. But let’s not dream and focus on the next game.”
This was another frustrating result for Arsenal, who have made something of a habit of giving away leads in games they should have won. Alexis Sanchez had put the team ahead just before half-time, but Yannick Bolasie leveled with a shot from distance in the 82nd minute.
And it was a clearly dejected Wenger who had to explain yet another slip-up from his team.
“I’m very, very disappointed. It’s one of those days where you would like to not do a press conference after the game because it’s nothing pleasant,” he said.
“I felt we had 70 percent possession and we didn’t make enough of it. We lacked a bit of accuracy in our final ball and as well the change of pace.
“We didn’t play with enough freedom and flow. And in the end we got caught with basically a unique shot on goal from Crystal Palace. They played deep and they defended well, and they got us on the break. That’s the story of the game, even if it’s very frustrating.”
It’s been the story of too many Arsenal games this season, and Palace manager Alan Pardew had told his players they would have chances toward the end.
“I always say to teams when you come here, if you can stay in the game and you’re tight, then at the end of the game there are going to be opportunities, because they over commit at times,” said Pardew.
“And I admire that. That’s not a deficiency in the game plan or a deficiency in the manager. That’s to be admired. But of course, an opportunity for you as well.”
