Wenger believes his side still has the mental capability for a strong run despite failing to beat Everton. PHOTO: AFP
Wenger’s side would have moved four points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a win over Everton, but instead they had to settle for a frustrating point after struggling to cope with the visitors’ physical approach at the Emirates Stadium.
Failure to qualify for the lucrative Champions League would be a massive blow for the Gunners, but Arsenal manager Wenger is convinced his team have the mental strength to cope with the high-pressure situation.
“We should have won the game but it keeps us still in a strong position in the race for the top four,” said Wenger. “We are on a very strong run with a fantastic spirit so you do not want to complain too much about what didn’t go for us.
“We dropped two points but if we win our coming games we will get there. The other teams have games in hand but they play each other.
“My belief was always strong and still is. I’m confident we will do it.”
Wenger’s belief in Arsenal’s ability to cope with the stresses and strains of the run-in hasn’t been dented despite Everton knocking them out of their stride with an overtly aggressive game plan.
The Frenchman felt Everton sent out to ruffle his team, but he claimed their tactics would have been scuppered if midfielder Darron Gibson had been sent off for a series of crunching challenges in the first half.
Gibson was booked after crunching into Jack Wilshere but escaped a second yellow card following a crude barge into Theo Walcott.
“Yes I think Gibson should have been sent off. He should have had a yellow card even before his first booking,” said Wenger.
“It was a game of huge intensity, they decided to make it physical to disturb our game.
“I don’t blame Everton for that. To say we needed protecting is a big word, we just want the referee to make the right decisions.
“I don’t think the referee dealt well with the intimidating physical challenges in the first-half.”
Wenger refused to be drawn on reports that England star Jack Wilshere had become embroiled in a tunnel bust-up with Everton’s Kevin Mirallas at half-time, adding, “I don’t know about that but I will find out. The dressing room was quiet after.”
While Wenger is confident of his side’s top-four ambitions, Everton manager David Moyes was willing to admit his team’s hopes of gate-crashing the Champions League party were starting to fade.
Everton are four points behind Chelsea and Moyes said, “I’m pleased with the performance, I don’t think you are ever disappointed to take a point at the Emirates.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2013.
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