Here are some of Arsene Wenger’s comments after today’s disappointing defeat at Norwich:
on the defeat…
Norwich had a good defensive performance; they were focused and committed. We had a lot of the ball but did not create much with it. It was an illusionary domination. It was a disappointing performance on our side.
on the reasons for the defeat…
I felt we lacked a bit of sharpness. We tried to get into the game after 20 minutes. But we missed what makes the success at the top level – that is complete focus. And they were sharper than us.
on the goal…
We do not blame anybody, we many made mistakes today. We have to put that performance behind us, realise that is not good enough and come out on Wednesday with a different performance.
The attitude of the team has been excellent but that was not at the level of what we have produced until now. It was the first time of the season we were way below par. And we were well below today.
on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury…
It was a kick on his hip. It is not long-term. But he will be out for Wednesday.
on Jack Wilshere…
We have to be conscious he has not played for 14 months. I would have brought him on if the game had allowed it today but it was too intense. He will play on Monday with the Reserves and then we will see where we go from there. He needs games.
on the reaction from the defeat…
I hope it will have a positive impact. It was a shock to the system today. But you have to give credit to Norwich today. They played well, were completely committed and they deserved the win. Maybe we underrated the difficulty we would face. But the Premier League is the Premier League. If you are not ready for the fight then you will always have bad surprises. There is a big difference between the amount of possession we had and the amount of chances we created. That is down to the fact that Norwich defended well and we did not create a lot.
on losing players during the international break…
It is not an excuse. We have to deal with that. You could say we have better players but there is only one way to show that – on the football pitch.
on players coming back…
I don’t see anyone new being [back] for Wednesday night. The closest will be Gibbs but he will not be ready. Walcott will not be ready [either].
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
‘We do not blame any body’ but we blame you fucking strong headed sonoffrench.you couse it all.and im not gonna west my time here telling you anything d**ck headed psychophant.
We were not sharp enough! We lost our concentration! We were below par! We couldn`t find our rhythm! We didn`t handle the set pieces! We faded in the final third! We didn`t take our opportunities! We should have won this game! etc…etc.
Arsene Wenger is a gentleman and I`m sure I would enjoy his company but, maybe because he`s French ,he tends to have a artistic, philosphical mannerism and makes excuses for his players (he calls it protecting them) to the point when they become too comfortable and complacent. I get the feeling he `asks` not `demands` and is more diplomatic than direct.
I`m quite sure that Arsenal`s short comings stem from a far too comfortable and sheltered environment and a return to `boot camp` would do them the world of good whilst Arsene takes a break.
@Aussie, your analysis is spot on. Arsene Wenger needs a break. He should go manage a national team or become a consultant scout for top football clubs. AFC needs a revolution NOW. the truth is that barring Cazorla, Arteta and Poldi, and maybe Wilshere, its an above-average team we support. Arsenal will win nothing while Wenger is Manager. His era is gone and the same method being repeated for 8 years should be jettisoned. You can’t discover the likes of Hazard, Mata and then refuse to pay the price for quality. A certain ‘Serge Gnabry’ was foisted on us again yesterday and it’ll be a huge joke if he’s also going to play for Arsenal. Well done Arsene. You’ve done well for AFC and we’re most grateful. But its time to go. We need results-driven Managers like Guardiola. AFC- a manager living in the past, a useless board, an aloof Owner and a mediocre team. Even Holt is a more lethal striker than pretty Giroud. Another trophyless season…. Oh dear.
I really agree this . Arsene is quite different from fergson and muliniou in the style of coaching . Maybe he is a little bit of romantic and persues perfect too much. He need do decisions more dictatorial . That is all . Don’t break my heart any more. So easy to lose .
Not their fault boss. Their manager’s been below par in the transfer market for so long, yet his job is as safe as can be
I`m happy some of you agree, it is not at all enjoyable to be continually critical . l have a sick feeling and I`ve had it for far too long. We have one of the finest stadiums in Europe but it`s only a building it needs a soul.
It is easy to say “replace Wenger” but with who? There is a board of directors to consider, so his job is just not on the playing field. From a football prospective it would seem that someone like Guardiola would change our fortunes and he`s more than qualified but what about his terms of reference? Would he risk his reputation?
It is only my humble opinion but I don`t see Arsenal recovering until there are major changes in ownership and it starts to filter down throught the ranks.