EPL: WENGER RUES MISS OPPORTUNITIES

03 May 2014 07:27:10
Arsene Wenger claims he will look
back on the season as a missed
opportunity even if Arsenal clinch a place in
the Champions League this weekend.
Wenger's side can guarantee their
participation in Europe's elite club
competition for the 17th successive year
with a victory over West Bromwich Albion on
Sunday.
They won't even need to win their final home
game of the season if fifth placed Everton
lose against title-chasing Manchester City
on Saturday –a result which would end the
Toffees' hopes of finishing fourth.
With silverware proving elusive to Arsenal for
most of the last decade, maintaining a
Champions League presence has become a
cause for celebration for Wenger.
And, with a chance to finally end the club's
nine-year trophy drought coming shortly in
the FA Cup final against Hull on May 17, it
would have been no surprise if Wenger was
in buoyant mood during his weekly press
conference on Friday.
But instead the Arsenal manager was in
reflective mood as he contemplated his
team's failure to seize a golden opportunity
to win the Premier League for the first time
since 2004.
The north Londoners led the table and looked
genuine title contenders before fading badly
in the new year.
"When we came out of Christmas, we were in
a strong position and what you want then is
to have your strong players available in
March and April, but we had too many
injuries," said Wenger, who lost the likes of
Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Jack
Wilshere for long periods this term.
"It is very difficult. You can have one or two,
but after that when you have too many
injuries you always have to play the same
players and that is detrimental to the
efficiency of the group.
"The regret we have is that too many players
were out at the same time between
Christmas and April."
Arsenal's dismal record in away games
against their title rivals – they were thrashed
at Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool –
is widely regarded as the key to their
unsuccessful title bid.
But Wenger suggested their failure to beat
Aston Villa, Everton and Swansea at home
was just as damaging.
"The restriction we had was when we only
made draws and not wins, that is where the
missing points are at the moment because
we are very close to the top," Wenger said.
"Maybe one or two wins at home would have
made that difference.
"The regret we have is that we have been
remarkably consistent but against some
teams who did not fight for the Premier
League title we could not claim the points."
Wenger's team have been back to their best
since Ramsey's return from injury – reeling
off three successive victories to overhaul
Everton in the top-four race.
And Wenger is determined to finish with two
more wins in case either City or Chelsea
slip-up, which would give the Gunners a
chance to secure third place, thus avoiding a
play-off to qualify for the Champions League
group stages next season.
"For us it is to finish as close as possible to
the top and to win our remaining games,"
Wenger added.
Albion are not yet completely certain of
avoiding relegation, but their four-point lead
over third bottom Norwich, who have played
a game more than the Baggies, should be
enough to eventually preserve their top-
flight status.
Boss Pepe Mel seems confident enough and
the former Real Betis chief is already
planning his transfer targets, which include
Arsenal winger Joel Campbell, who is
currently on loan at Olympiakos.
"Joel Campbell was a player with me at
Betis, a very good player and it is possible
for the future at West Brom. He could play
here if I stay here," said Mel.
"The most important thing now is the next
three matches. We need one more point to be
sure."
© Sapa - AFP