‘Arsenal collapse won’t lead to sales’

Wenger focused on match against Man Utd on Sunday.

LONDON:

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal’s collapse this season will not lead to an exodus of star players such as Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.

Wenger’s side squandered a glorious chance to end their wait for a first trophy since 2005 as they lost the League Cup final against Birmingham, then crashed out of the Champions League to Barcelona and the FA Cup against Manchester United.

Even more painful for Wenger was Arsenal’s failure to take their opportunities in the Premier League title race and the Gunners go into Sunday’s clash with leaders United knowing a game once billed as a title decider now means little to his team.

“We do not want to sell our players,” said Wenger. “Our players have contracts and they will stay here unless we decide otherwise. We want to keep our best players. We play our game against Man United on Sunday, we are not on the transfer market now.”

Dempsey double helps lift Fulham

Fulham look assured of keeping their Premier League status next season after a resounding 3-0 win over Bolton at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

American international Clint Dempsey scored either side of half time with Brede Hangeland adding a third to earn Fulham a crucial victory which pushed them up five places to ninth, eight points above the relegation zone.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2011.