Wenger strikes defiant note
Source: Agencies |
April 26, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ARSENAL needs to tighten up defensively rather than change its entire philosophy, manager Arsene Wenger said after taking the blame for his team's English Premier League title chances shrinking to "minimal".
A 1-2 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday left its hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads as the London side trails leader Manchester United by nine points with four games left.
Wenger's side has won admirers for its neat passing game and fluid attacking play but with the trophy cabinet lacking any new silverware since 2005, some former players have questioned the approach.
"If you ask most Arsenal fans they'd maybe forgo the easy-on-the-eye free-flowing football to be able to grind out results and have a different way of playing to win trophies," former Arsenal winger Perry Groves told Sky Sports.
Groves was at the north London club from 1986 to 1992, during the "boring, boring Arsenal" days under George Graham and while many fans are glad to see the back of the defensive style of play, they would welcome a bit more solidity.
"I am convinced we are a very good footballing side," Wenger said on the club's website. "We have not been stable enough defensively. We have conceded six goals this week at a moment where you cannot afford to concede six goals in three games and win the championship.
"If you can convince me that the principles are wrong, then I am ready. But I feel we try to play football the proper way."
Wenger, criticized by fans for failing to sign a center back in the January transfer window when it was struggling with Thomas Vermaelen's long-term injury, is likely to make that position a priority in the close season.
Local media have reported that prospective new owner Stan Kroenke will make 40 million pounds (US$63.75 million) available for transfers.
"They need a presence of a center half, an organizer," former Arsenal forward Paul Merson said.
Pictures of Wenger crouching on the touchline with his head in his hands dominated the British newspapers yesterday after the last-minute defeat in Bolton and the Frenchman was quick to shoulder the blame for the collapse in the season.
"If somebody is to blame, it's me. I pick the team. I choose the players," Wenger said. "I feel the players had an outstanding attitude this season. They are not to blame.
"The (title) chances are very minimal now, that is for sure, but we have to continue to fight."
Two months ago Arsenal was chasing four trophies but since its League Cup final defeat by Birmingham City on February 27, it has been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and won only one of its last seven league games.
Arsenal has been overtaken by resurgent champion Chelsea and sits third in the table with 64 points from 34 matches. United is heading towards a record 19th title on 73 points, while Chelsea, which visits Old Trafford on May 8, has 67.
A 1-2 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday left its hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads as the London side trails leader Manchester United by nine points with four games left.
Wenger's side has won admirers for its neat passing game and fluid attacking play but with the trophy cabinet lacking any new silverware since 2005, some former players have questioned the approach.
"If you ask most Arsenal fans they'd maybe forgo the easy-on-the-eye free-flowing football to be able to grind out results and have a different way of playing to win trophies," former Arsenal winger Perry Groves told Sky Sports.
Groves was at the north London club from 1986 to 1992, during the "boring, boring Arsenal" days under George Graham and while many fans are glad to see the back of the defensive style of play, they would welcome a bit more solidity.
"I am convinced we are a very good footballing side," Wenger said on the club's website. "We have not been stable enough defensively. We have conceded six goals this week at a moment where you cannot afford to concede six goals in three games and win the championship.
"If you can convince me that the principles are wrong, then I am ready. But I feel we try to play football the proper way."
Wenger, criticized by fans for failing to sign a center back in the January transfer window when it was struggling with Thomas Vermaelen's long-term injury, is likely to make that position a priority in the close season.
Local media have reported that prospective new owner Stan Kroenke will make 40 million pounds (US$63.75 million) available for transfers.
"They need a presence of a center half, an organizer," former Arsenal forward Paul Merson said.
Pictures of Wenger crouching on the touchline with his head in his hands dominated the British newspapers yesterday after the last-minute defeat in Bolton and the Frenchman was quick to shoulder the blame for the collapse in the season.
"If somebody is to blame, it's me. I pick the team. I choose the players," Wenger said. "I feel the players had an outstanding attitude this season. They are not to blame.
"The (title) chances are very minimal now, that is for sure, but we have to continue to fight."
Two months ago Arsenal was chasing four trophies but since its League Cup final defeat by Birmingham City on February 27, it has been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and won only one of its last seven league games.
Arsenal has been overtaken by resurgent champion Chelsea and sits third in the table with 64 points from 34 matches. United is heading towards a record 19th title on 73 points, while Chelsea, which visits Old Trafford on May 8, has 67.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
