Arsenal

Wenger Bemoans International Week

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his frustrations at being denied the opportunity to pick his team up after a lethargic defeat at home against Aston Villa, due to the timing of the international friendlies.

Nov 17, 2008 3:25:21 PM

Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Cuellar come together at the Emirates during Aston Villa's visit to north London

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Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Cuellar come together at the Emirates during Aston Villa's visit to north London

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Arsene Wenger

A Gael Clichy own goal and cooly taken Gabriel Agbonlahor finish was enough to seal Arsenal's fourth defeat of the season.

Arsene Wenger has admitted that there was 'no rational explanation' following his side's 2-0 capitulation at home to Villa, and is frustrated because he is unable to raise his side's spirit after another three points dropped.

"It is frustrating we can’t pick them up because of the international week," Wenger is quoted by the club's official website as saying.

"At some stage, we would have liked to focus on something different then come back and re-focus again."

Wenger also rued the Gunners inconsistent form. Arsenal appeared to have turned a corner after their thrilling 2-1 win over old foe Manchester United coupled with an impressive win over Wigan Athletic with their youtful Carling Cup side, yet will have to return to the training ground with their heads held low after undoing all the hard work they put in when the Red Devils visited.

"It’s been unbelievable. We won on Saturday and Tuesday and were on a high. But you felt there was no energy left in the side.

"I don’t have a rational explanation because we tried to make sure that everybody was on top of their game. It didn’t work. Maybe it’s down to the quality of Villa’s performance, I don’t know."

Alan Dawson