Wenger can't predict next title twist

However, Wenger believes Arsenal has a chance to finish first if it continues to play the way it did against Tottenham on Saturday.

Published : Mar 06, 2016 12:35 IST , White Hart Lane

Arsene Wenger gestures during the north London derby on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger gestures during the north London derby on Saturday.
lightbox-info

Arsene Wenger gestures during the north London derby on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger was unwilling to predict the outcome of the Premier League title race after 10-man Arsenal battled to a pulsating 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Saturday.

Quizzed on which team is now likely to finish first, the manager said: "I don't know, I don't know what to say any more about that because everybody drops points.

"So let's see what happens over the weekend. I think we have to take encouragement from our performance today and reproduce that until the end of the season. Then we might have a chance.

"I don't know [if it is our best chance for a number of years], maybe you are right. Last year we had no chance, three or four years ago I think were in the race."

Heavy criticism followed consecutive Premier League losses against Manchester United and Swansea City, Wenger acknowledging the Gunners are weighed down by the burden of expectation: "I must tell you, the pressure of our supporters is relentless and I am in a good position to tell you that.

"We have to deal with that and we now have to go on a run again.

"If Leicester wins the game at Watford, it will be in a very strong position," he added, referring to Saturday's late kick-off between the league leaders and the Hornets at Vicarage Road.

"We are in a position where we need to rely on other teams like Leicester."

Wenger accepted Coquelin's dismissal was deserved, but the Arsenal boss was critical of referee Michael Oliver for not issuing a second yellow card to Eric Dier when the Tottenham midfielder pulled back Olivier Giroud during the closing stages.

"I think referees should come in a press conference after a game," he said. 

"We are questioned, so they should be questioned as well."

Sanchez's display, crowned by his first Premier League goal since October, gave Wenger cause for more positive reflection.

"He had a great attitude and I hope that will give him the confidence and encouragement he needs," he said.

"I hope the goal will give him a lift and we will see a different Alex now."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment