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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger finds Chelsea defeat 'difficult to swallow'
Boss praises home team's defence but also pleased with team's work ethic despite loss...
7 Feb 2010 18:50:00
By Alex Stamp
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his side's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was 'difficult to swallow'.
Two first half goals from Didier Drogba proved the difference between the two teams as Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession at Stamford Bridge, but were unable to force clear cut openings against a rigid Chelsea backline.
Wenger, who cut an agitated presence on the touchline throughout the game, was pleased with his team's efforts but praised the home team's defence.
"It’s difficult to swallow a defeat like that where we felt we were the better team on the pitch for the biggest part," he told Sky Sports.
"I believe we were once from the first corner [we conceded] a goal, and I believe we were not concentrated enough and then we were caught on the counter attack and apart from that, it is difficult because I’m very proud of our performance."
Wenger admitted that his side had not created enough openings for all the possession they enjoyed, but took time to praise the Chelsea defence for stopping his team.
He added: "We didn’t score so it is never enough.
"We had one or two situations which could have led to penalties and I believe we tried very hard and you have to give them credit as well, they defended well."
Defeat to Chelsea now leaves Arsenal nine points behind the league leaders, and though Wenger admitted his team were outsiders, he refused to throw in the towel.
He continued: "We are of course outsiders but we will fight until the last day of the season.
"I believe everyone can drop points. Let’s come back to win our next game first and then we’ll see where we stand."
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Two first half goals from Didier Drogba proved the difference between the two teams as Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession at Stamford Bridge, but were unable to force clear cut openings against a rigid Chelsea backline.
Wenger, who cut an agitated presence on the touchline throughout the game, was pleased with his team's efforts but praised the home team's defence.
"It’s difficult to swallow a defeat like that where we felt we were the better team on the pitch for the biggest part," he told Sky Sports.
"I believe we were once from the first corner [we conceded] a goal, and I believe we were not concentrated enough and then we were caught on the counter attack and apart from that, it is difficult because I’m very proud of our performance."
Wenger admitted that his side had not created enough openings for all the possession they enjoyed, but took time to praise the Chelsea defence for stopping his team.
He added: "We didn’t score so it is never enough.
"We had one or two situations which could have led to penalties and I believe we tried very hard and you have to give them credit as well, they defended well."
Defeat to Chelsea now leaves Arsenal nine points behind the league leaders, and though Wenger admitted his team were outsiders, he refused to throw in the towel.
He continued: "We are of course outsiders but we will fight until the last day of the season.
"I believe everyone can drop points. Let’s come back to win our next game first and then we’ll see where we stand."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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