ARSENE WENGER DECLARED ABOUT ARSENAL
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that the balance of his side has let them down at times this season.
The Gunners currently sit sixth in the Premier League Table following a run of just one win in their last six games, raising familiar questions about whether Wenger's current crop of players have the character to compete with the best teams in the league throughout an entire campaign.
However, the Frenchman believes that it is more down to defensive frailties than character, pinpointing back-to-back defeats against Everton and Manchester City in December when his side squandered leads to lose 2-1 on both occasions as the beginning of their problems.
"It is a strange season because it just looked like it escaped from us in moments. Not for a lot. But every time, for a fraction, it went the other way. That is why it is very difficult. It started at Everton where we were 1-0 up. At City we were 1-0 up. And things went just against us and we could not respond," he told the club's official website.
"Our offensive numbers are good. Our defensive numbers are less convincing. And that is not down to the defenders only. It is down to the balance of the team between going forward and defending. But it is true that our offensive numbers are quite convincing. I am still convinced they have the right character, and it's a good moment to show it.
"As well, the self-esteem of a group is not set in stone. It's linked as well with the last results. The confidence, when linked with the last results, drops, but where the character comes in is the desire to fight against it and to fight together. And the natural tendency is to go a little bit into your shell and think a little bit more about you and not about the group."
Arsenal currently sit seven points adrift of the Champions League places, although they do have a game in hand over fourth-placed Manchester City.
BOB WILSON URGES ARSENE WENGER TO CLARIFY FUTURE :
Former arsenal goalkeeper 'BOB WILSON' has urge arsene wenger to clarify his future for the good of arsenal .
Wenger has repeatedly supported that he has made a decision on whether or not he will remain at the emirates stadium beyond the end of the season when his current contract expires.
However,amid unprecedented levels of pressure from the club's fans for him to step down, the 67-year-old is yet to publicly announce it intention during the arsenal's current poor run of form.
Wilson, who still work as an arsenal ambassador, admitted that he doesn't want to see wenger leave the club in acrimonious circumstances, but called on the Frenchman to declare his position one way or the other.
"I personally feel that we should know now - that arsene should declare it . I think it will be good for the club, the player and the fan. I don't think that the player which way he is going to go at the moment and i feel that maybe they should know." He told BBC Radio 5 live.
"It doesn't help that you've got this constant rumour that (Alexis) Sanchez is going to go to Chelsea or abroad, and (Mesut) Ozil wants to do this and Alex Os-land is thinking of moving on. I just think it would be very good for the club all the way round if we just had a little bit more clarity.
"I won't have it that (Wenger) is not able to motivate his players - what I'm concerned about is the personality and the character of the players he has with him. There are some terrific players (but) I look at my team of many years ago and I look at the Invincibles and I think there is certainly a leadership (issue).
"I think he wants to be there. What I don't want is Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal FC under a cloud. I know he'll always be welcomed back after he retires but I'm really hurting to see Arsenal fans arguing amongst themselves right now."
Wilson served as Wenger's goalkeeping coach at Arsenal until his retirement in 2003.
ARSENE WENGER ; 'Alexis Sanchez Gave Everything'
The Chilean has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, with just over 12 months remaining on his contract and a whole host of teams thought to be interested in his services.
Sanchez was seen standing still with his hands on his hips after Arsenal had conceded possession at one point during the second half of their 2-2 draw with Manchester City yesterday, but Wenger insists that he gave everything for the cause.
"I felt he did give everything. I didn't see negative body language. It's the way he is," he told reporters.
Sanchez has scored 18 goals in 28 Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season.
ARSENE WENGER PRAISES "FANTASTIC" ARSENAL FANS
Arsene wenger has praised the club's fans for their "sensational" support during the 2-2 draw with Manchester city.
A group of Arsenal fans once again staged an anti-Wenger protest before the match as pressure on the Frenchman to step down from his role continues to increase.
Many may have been fearing the worst when the Gunners fell behind inside five minutes, and again when they conceded less than two minutes after restoring parity, but Arsenal fought back to claim a point and Wenger believes that the fans played a big part in the result.
"I must say, despite all what happened on the fans front, our fans were fantastic today," he told reporters.
In very difficult moments our fans, at 1-0 down and 2-1 down, could have turned against us but I think they were absolutely sensational to get us through those difficult moments."
Arsenal next host West Ham United with a seven points gap now exasperating them from the champions league place.
DANNY WELBECK ; 'MANCHESTER CITY DRAW IS TWO POINTS DROPPED'
Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has admitted that his side's 2-2 draw against Manchester city yesterday was "not good enough" if they are to catch the Premier League's top four.
The Gunners twice came from behind to pick up a point against Pep Guardiola's visitors, avoiding a third straight league defeat in the process, but the result still leaves them seven points adrift of the Champions League places.
"We showed character but I think we have to look at the performance and see where we conceded the goals," he told Sky Sports News.
"At this point of the season and the position we're at, we know it's not good enough for us and it wouldn't be good for us to lose three points again. We dropped two and we've got to improve for next time.
"It's two attacking teams who want to play with the ball. It was a good one for the neutrals to watch but both teams wanted to get three points."
The Gunners are back in action on Wednesday when they host out-of-form West Ham United.
LETS SEE THE CHANGE IN ARSENAL AND ARSENE WENGER....................
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon