'Things went against us', says Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted injuries and suspension to key personnel had cost his side after today’s 3-2 defeat to Leeds handed the Premier League title back to Manchester United.
In the absence of injured captain Patrick Vieira and suspended Sol Campbell, the Gunners struggled to keep on top of a Leeds side battling against relegation.
“We have the feeling that in recent weeks things went against us with injuries and suspensions especially,” said the Frenchmen.
“You have seasons like that but I’m proud of the behaviour of the boys.”
Wenger admitted that the Gunners’ Achilles heel had been the defence and conceded that his side struggled to regain the winning habit following their exit from Europe.
“We have not had the defensive stability we used to have and we paid for that.
“When we were put out of the Champions League we lost some of our momentum.”
While Wenger was disappointed his side had not retained the title, he refused to be drawn into criticism of his players.
“I believe that we had too many players out recently to fight for it,” he added.
“We had the right attitude today, we gave everything.”
He told Sky Sports 1: “Today you have to thank the players for the whole season, the players have given everything and deserve respect for that.”
Wenger responded to accusations, many of which came from Sir Alex Ferguson, that his side were over-confident.
“In this country it is suspicious or arrogant to come out and say you are ambitious,” he said.
“We are ambitious and we don’t hide from that.”
