The consensus in the media is that Arsenal showed character to come back twice to take a point in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday. A result that stopped a run of two Premier League defeats for the Gunners.
But a point at home against a side above them in the table cannot be called a good result by Arsene Wenger or Arsenal fans. With 10 games left, Arsenal are still seven points behind fourth place City. Sunday was about winning and closing the gap, and the Arsenal did not do that,
Afterwards, Arsene Wenger admitted that his under-pressure side put in a nervous performance.
“You could see we started very nervously and under pressure, and you can see that it had a big impact on our fluency,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
“We had strong mental resources and refused to lose the game. You could see the team was ready for the fight eventually. On the mental front it was a very strong performance, and on a technical front I think we could do better.
“But at the end of the day, when you come out of a few disappointing results and play a big game, the first priority is not to lose. I think we went for it. We had plenty of attacking players on the pitch.
“In the end we got a point. You could say mathematically it’s not good for them or for us. But we’ve come out of such a stressful period, and I think this still mentally has a positive impact on our team.”
The future of Wenger at Arsenal remains a talking point, and the long serving Arsenal manager saying he will always be devoted to the Gunners regardless of his next move.
“I think there is nothing to add to the ongoing situation. I have been here for 20 years and I think I’ve shown one thing and that is completely loyalty to this club. I will continue to do that for as long as I am here and after that,” he added.
“I will always support this club and wish that whoever comes in after me goes very well and even much better.”
It is a tight turnaround for Arsenal who are next in action on Wednesday as they face another home tie against West Ham.
Wenger added: “Top four? It will be tough because everyone is in there. I think Pep Guardiola has said that in England to make the top four it is like a trophy because it is so difficult.
“I think we are in good company, but the first thing was to stop losing and the second is to build up our confidence again, and the third step will be to win Wednesday night, of course.”
