Arsene defends ‘remarkable’ progress

Wenger confident of success at WBA

By Zain Alvi | 11th May 2012

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that his men only have themselves to blame for their recent stuggles against the likes of QPR, Wigan, and Norwich but also insists that the squad has come a long way since the early stages of the season.

The departures of influential playmakers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer left the Gunners with no option but to rebuild their entire core.

Consequently, they battled in the bottom half of the table in the season’s opening weeks before gradually ascending towards the best record in London.

Wenger, whose job security was called into question throughout the first half of the season, masterminded a terrific run of league form in March and April to guide his side comfortably into third place.

Unfortunately, eight dropped points against the lowly aforementioned trio, as well as a grim goalless draw at home to Chelsea, has left them needing a last-day win away to West Bromwich Albion to guarantee automatic Champions League qualification.

The Gunners boss knows that some tough work has been cut out for his side’s trip to The Hawthorns this Sunday but sees no reason why they won’t come out on top.

“We have known final days like this before. Games where we’ve played for championships, or to qualify for the Champions League. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us that we want to take. We are used to coping with that,” Wenger stated defiantly.

The Frenchman added: “At the end of the day, it’s playing football. If we have more of the ball than West Brom, we’ll have more chances to win the game. That’s what we’ll focus on. Just be faithful to the way we want to play football.”

In recent weeks, Wenger has made his frustration known with Arsenal’s poor form against lowly ranked clubs but considering that close rivals Tottenham and Newcastle have faced similar challenges, the gaffer cannot complain much.

He explained: “Three months ago, everybody would be happy to go into the final game [in this position]. The Premier League is difficult.

“We came from a deep position in the league but, if you look at the way we’ve been to be where we are today, I think it’s remarkable.”

While the Gunners will play the Baggies in Sunday’s finale, the Magpies will visit Everton and the Spurs will host Fulham.