“I didn’t see that.” is a phrase famous attributed to Arsene Wenger, usually when one of his Invincibles players, Patrick Vieira for example, committed a controversial foul of some sort or if there was a penalty shout against the Gunners.
Wenger couldn’t fail to miss the glaring errors made by his Arsenal players after a punishing week of football entailing a tough 1-1 draw at home to Everton on Sunday, going away to Naples on Wednesday for a Champions League defeat, and then travelling to Manchester to endure a 6-3 mauling by City at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime as they faded at the end. Wenger had touched on the physical effect of three games in such a short space of time but didn’t want to use it as an excuse.
“We had the best defence in the league and we conceded many goals today. Honestly we could have scored at least six as well. It was an open game but we made too many mistakes today.
“Our strength until now was our defensive discipline but that went as the game went on.
“The regret I have is at 2-1 we made it 3-1. After we came back to 3-2 they made it 4-2. It was always through easy mistakes.
“We were in a position where we could see the legs were tired a bit but we had to chase the score. In the end it was 6-3 but what hurts me more is we had an opportunity to extend the lead over City to nine points but now it’s three points. Manchester City were not unbeatable today. Everton and Southampton were as good as City.
“I don’t want to look for excuses after a defeat like that but it didn’t help. I said before the game I wouldn’t use it as an excuse and I don’t want to do it now but it wasn’t ideal. You could see we weren’t as fresh as we should be for a big game.
“I think we had three offsides which were not and a penalty turned down. I think the referee had a bad game.”
England midfielder Jack Wilshere reportedly made a rude gesture towards City fans during their 6-3 mauling by City at the Etihad and it was this event that Wenger was asked about and didn’t see.
“I don’t know if he did it. If he did it and he’s banned then we’ll have to accept it.” he conceded.
Responding to reports that Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker argued in plain sight after the game about going to applaud the travelling Arsenal support, Wenger sighed.
“The Germans will sort it out between themselves, don’t worry.”