Arsene Wenger: 'It is important to win our final league game on Sunday'

Published: 21 May, 2015
by TOM FOOT

ARSENE Wenger has admitted he is concerned that the Gunners’ misfiring end to the season could scupper their chances of lifting the FA Cup. 

The Arsenal boss was speaking after watching his side fail to score against Sunderland in another frustrating match at the Emirates last night (Wednesday).

It was the third successive home game that the north Londoners have failed to score in, following blanks against Swansea and Chelsea.

Wenger said: “We lacked sharpness in our movement, and in our finishing as well. 

“It was an intense game on Sunday against Manchester United and I think tonight some players had not completely recovered from that. 

“We had not scored in two home games before this, which played a big part in our spontaneous attitude tonight.”

When asked whether he was concerned about an apparent tiredness ahead of the Cup final, he said: “Yes, a little bit. Overall we are in a strong position, but it is important to win our final league game on Sunday.”

Arsenal dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes against Sunderland, but the waves of attacks repeatedly hit the visitors’ solid defensive wall. 

Sunderland were fighting for Premiership survival and the point means they have now avoided relegation, leaving manager Dick Advocaat beaming and reflecting on a “special moment” for the travelling fans. His side defended heroically and could have snatched a lead on 64 minutes when Steven Fletcher missed the most clear-cut chance of the match, scooping his shot over David Ospina.

Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were all guilty of wayward finishing while Olivier Giroud was crowded out each time he collected the ball.

The draw means Arsenal cannot leap-frog Manchester City into second place, but are all but guaranteed third place, barring a huge swing in goal-difference and defeat to West Brom on Sunday.