Wenger slams negative tactics
05 Oct 2008 - 10:08:45
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his side lacked sharpness, but blamed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland on the opposition's defensive tactics.
The Gunners narrowly avoided following up last weekend's surprise defeat to Hull City with another Premier League loss after going behind in the 86th minute at the Stadium of Light.
But Cesc Fabregas rescued a point for Wenger's side when he headed home a dramatic equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
When asked if the result was a fair reflection of the game, the Frenchman replied: "It is a result. It depends what you call fair.
"I like to think usually the team that takes the initiative should be rewarded, but it is not always like that in football.
"We lacked a little bit the sharpness to get them out of position.
"They gave us the ball and said 'we are happy with 0-0, do what you want' and the story of the game was they didn't only almost get the 0-0, they almost won the game.
"We needed character to come back and at least get a point.
"Is it a good point or a bad point? I don't know, but it was a frustrating day for us because we didn't create the chances we usually do and, I must say, Sunderland defended very well."