His manner was calm as you’d expect, but there was something that had clearly irked Arsene Wenger as he entered the post match press conference at Chelsea. Wenger has always backed his players and despite suffering their sixth Premiership loss, he insisted that Arsenal were still in the title race. Naturally the 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge was hurting Wenger, the players and the fans, but here was a man who had seen things that had annoyed him further. Immaculately suited as normal, Wenger began his post match press conference, speaking of his disappointment of the result, and of the Gunners’ almost lifeless title aspirations. He referred to Chelsea’s game plan, and then he hit out at the Blues’ antics in certain incidents in the game.

                                 

 

 

 

Almost animated beyond the norm, Wenger’s eyes glazed as he spoke of Chelsea players off the ball activities, which unsettled his side. Aren’t they just more streetwise than your players, he was asked, and that spoke volumes of the way Wenger perceives the game to be played. Chelsea and Didier Drogba in particular have had the measure of the Gunners in recent years, and for a side steeped in history and tradition of winning, that has been hard to take in north London.

Support

Travelling Arsenal fans had packed out their corner of the Shed End, and should be congratulated for the way in which they continually backed their players. Even after Drogba’s double strike, the Arsenal fans sang and chanted ( mainly in the direction of John Terry! ),  and Wenger would have welcomed their support for his battling side. Once again however, they fell short. After managing only a single point out of a possible nine, the now nine point gap between Chelsea and Arsenal will not make pleasant viewing for Wenger, and especially after his side had clawed back the previous eleven point gap.

Defensive lapses

That then is the focus. The Gunners have proven that they can put a run together and must demonstrate as such once again, starting with Liverpool’s visit to The Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. For much of Sunday’s game, Arsenal enjoyed the greater possession, but more defensive lapses came back to haunt Wenger. Gael Clichy at left back was targeted, and Chelsea profited from that tactic just as United managed to do seven days earlier.

Bite

For all Wenger’s backing, Manuel Almunia has become a serious concern, with questions being asked over his handling, his positioning and his confidence. Wenger could do worse that promote third choice Vito Mannone on Wednesday. With Alex Song and Abou Diaby dominating in parts, the problem in attack was exposed once again. Andrey Arshavin hustled and chased all afternoon, but to no avail. Nicklas Bendtner’s introduction gave the Gunners’ attack more bite, and he was denied a nailed on penalty when Ashley Cole hacked the Dane down in the area. Just as Arshavin was denied a goal in November’s loss at home, so Arsenal found that luck had deserted them in west London.

The obvious is staring Wenger in the face. But the need for a proven quality goalkeeper, a midfielder, and in the continued absence of the injured Robin Van Persie a striker to add steel to the abundant skill currently available, will now have to wait until the summer.  

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