Sports / Soccer
Arsene Wenger, 'I knew at 4-0 the game was not over'
06 Feb 2011 at 07:20hrs | Views
Newcastle Utd 4-4 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger saw his Arsenal team get off to a great start against Newcastle at St. James Park last night, and the Gunners were 3-0 up at after just 10 minutes thanks to goals from Walcott, Djourou and Van Persie.
The Dutchman added another to make it four before half-time, but Wenger insists that he knew that Newcastle could get back into the game.
He said: "It's very frustrating because we played a good game and we had an opportunity to take three points in the title race. Newcastle kept fighting, I knew at 4-0 the game was not over because it was important to keep our nerves and continue to play.
"A team that has already lost the game, when they get back into the game you are always under threat. That was very important for us, not to allow them to get back into the game. Therefore, we are certainly guilty tonight by going down to ten men."
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Abou Diaby was the guilty party when he retaliated badly on Joey Barton after the Newcastle midfielder had scythed down the Gunners midfielder, and Wenger said that he wouldn't be speaking to Diaby about it until he had time to reflect on the consequences of his actions, but he understands the reasons for his anger.
"He is very disappointed at the moment, it's better not to talk to him." Wenger said. "He has to try to get over that. It's a shame because he had a great first half. He had an outstanding game. His reaction could be explained by the fact that he has been injured so many times from bad tackles that he lost a little bit quickly his nerves. This boy has been out for a long time and many times. Certainly the tackler provoked his reaction."
But as Arsenal were still 4-0 up at that time. Surely the Gunners should have been able to batten down the hatches and keep Newcastle away from their goal. But two penalties from Joey Barton, and a goal each from Leon Best and Tiote rescued a point for Newcastle, and Arsenal were sent home with their tails between their legs
Arsene Wenger saw his Arsenal team get off to a great start against Newcastle at St. James Park last night, and the Gunners were 3-0 up at after just 10 minutes thanks to goals from Walcott, Djourou and Van Persie.
The Dutchman added another to make it four before half-time, but Wenger insists that he knew that Newcastle could get back into the game.
He said: "It's very frustrating because we played a good game and we had an opportunity to take three points in the title race. Newcastle kept fighting, I knew at 4-0 the game was not over because it was important to keep our nerves and continue to play.
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Abou Diaby was the guilty party when he retaliated badly on Joey Barton after the Newcastle midfielder had scythed down the Gunners midfielder, and Wenger said that he wouldn't be speaking to Diaby about it until he had time to reflect on the consequences of his actions, but he understands the reasons for his anger.
"He is very disappointed at the moment, it's better not to talk to him." Wenger said. "He has to try to get over that. It's a shame because he had a great first half. He had an outstanding game. His reaction could be explained by the fact that he has been injured so many times from bad tackles that he lost a little bit quickly his nerves. This boy has been out for a long time and many times. Certainly the tackler provoked his reaction."
But as Arsenal were still 4-0 up at that time. Surely the Gunners should have been able to batten down the hatches and keep Newcastle away from their goal. But two penalties from Joey Barton, and a goal each from Leon Best and Tiote rescued a point for Newcastle, and Arsenal were sent home with their tails between their legs
Source - Byo24NEWS
