Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Wenger refuses to throw in towel....


Arsene Wenger refused to concede defeat in the Premier League title race after a 3-3 draw at Tottenham saw Arsenal slip to third.
The Gunners again showed their fragility under pressure, conceding a 3-1 lead as a 70th-minute Rafael van der Vaart penalty gave Spurs a draw at White Hart Lane.
The result leaves them six points behind leaders Manchester United, signalling yet another lost opportunity as the North London club failed to capitalise on dropped points from the table-toppers. Worse, it saw them slip behind a resurgent Chelsea on goal difference.
But Wenger remained positive, putting on a brave face as his side failed to win for the fifth time in six league games.
"It's not over... we'll fight," the Frenchman told Sky Sports. "In the second half we dropped physically because we had a difficult game on Sunday (at home to Liverpool). We've had two games in three games, our recovery was a bit short.
"We suffered physically in the second half and were very unfortunate to concede the penalty.
"Maybe the (Tottenham) second goal was decisive because we wanted to get to half-time with a two-goal lead, but we had an outstanding spirit and we have to keep battling to the last day.
"Tottenham are a good team and we have to accept they can score goals as well. Both sides could have won the game tonight but I didn't see any failure in our attitude.
"We came here to score goals and played a team who are very good going forward. (Tom) Huddlestone's was an amazing goal.
"It was difficult to assess the penalty, I'll have to see it again.
"Our mental strength is outstanding. We have faced criticism but this team deserves much more."
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp enjoyed the match, even if it saw his team sit two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
"It was one of the great games... a real classic. We showed fantastic character to come from 3-1 down.
"Arsenal were top class in the first half , they had us at full stretch and were hard to live with.
"But in the second half the best chances were going our way, we just couldn't get the winner.
"We came back from an almost impossible position and had chances to win it. Anyone who watched that match tonight must have loved it.
"I can't ask any more. Both teams wanted to win and needed a win.
"(City) were favourites at the start of the year because of their squad.
"We finished a couple of points above them last year and they've spent about £150million to get above us.
"But I can't ask for any more. The season's still going and the spirit we've got is fantastic. We never give up."

SOURCE: Eurosport

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