Slack Gunners were punished - Wenger

18 April 2010 17:28
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger slated his side for a lack of discipline and focus after watching their title hopes wrecked at Wigan on Sunday.[LNB] The Gunners appeared poised to haul themselves firmly back into the title race as they led relegation-threatened Latics 2-0 at the DW Stadium with just over 10 minutes remaining.[LNB]Wigan, though, proceeded to conjure an astonishing comeback, and with it the most stunning victory in their Premier League history.[LNB]Ben Watson first sidefooted the Latics back into contention in the 80th minute, followed in the 89th by a howler from goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski on his 25th birthday.[LNB]The Pole fumbled Charles N'Zogbia's corner, allowing Titus Bramble to nod home the equaliser, despite Samri Nasri's attempt to clear the ball off the line.[LNB]Then in the first of four minutes of injury time N'Zogbia struck a stunning winner to leave Wenger to describe the loss as the most disappointing of the season.[LNB]"I believe we were not focused, not disciplined and were caught," said Wenger.[LNB]"In football you have to stay focused for 90 minutes otherwise you run the risk of being punished.[LNB]"That is especially the case against a team with nothing to lose, fighting not to go down. You knew they would not give up, and in the end we were punished for that.[LNB]"Even at 2-0 I never thought the game was over. I could see we were having difficulties keeping the ball, creating other chances, and when you do not create chances in football you are in trouble.[LNB]"After going 2-0 up our game lacked cohesion and discipline, and I always felt we could be punished."[LNB]Wenger refused to divulge what he told his players after the loss, one which leaves them six points adrift of leaders Chelsea and with only nine to play for.[LNB]Rather than being in the title hunt, Wenger is now looking over his shoulder at Spurs and Manchester City, with the hope now of simply hanging onto third place.[LNB]"My target is to win the next game, that's all we can do," added Wenger.[LNB]"Manchester City and Spurs can still catch us, so we have to win at least one of our remaining games."[LNB]Cheekily asked as to who his money was now on for the title, Wenger gave a naturally dismissive response.[LNB]"I don't mind and I don't care," said Wenger.[LNB]"All I know is if we had won today then we would have been back in it."[LNB]It is a result that leaves Wigan on the brink of safety as they are seven points clear of the relegation zone.[LNB]After losing eight and drawing one of their previous nine league meetings with Arsenal, this was a remarkable debut top-flight win over the Gunners, adding to victories earlier this season against Chelsea and Liverpool.[LNB]"We finally got the rewards our performance deserved," said manager Roberto Martinez.[LNB]"We started the game well, played face-to-face with Arsenal, but then we began to lose the ball cheaply and the game was going away from us.[LNB]"Not many teams come back from 2-0 down against Arsenal, and the reason is the effort and belief the players showed today.[LNB]"Moments like this are vital for our club, are the reason why we are involved in football and what our fans deserved.[LNB]"To beat Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in one season is something that doesn't come by accident, and I'm extremely proud of the players."[LNB]Skipper Mario Melchiot hailed Martinez's wise words at the break as the reason for the revival.[LNB]"At half-time the gaffer said 'Keep going guys, I believe in you and you can do it', and that made a difference," said Melchiot.[LNB]Asked what the win would do for the club, he added: "It's very big.[LNB]"It's going to make a lot of difference to the morale of the team and those who come and see us."

Source: Team_Talk