Arsène Wenger... reflects on the 4-4 draw with Newcastle United
'We were too worried on protecting our lead'
On whether the sending off changed the game…
Certainly, more psychologically than on the footballing side. We were worried too much on protecting our lead after that because we were down to ten men. Instead of continuing to play, we invited pressure. Afterwards we were very unlucky with some decisions as well. I cannot do anything about that.
On letting slip a four-goal lead…
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.
On whether it was an unnecessary sending off…
[It was a] completely unnecessary sending off and I believe Barton was very lucky to stay on the pitch [because of] his tackle on Diaby.
On whether Diaby has said anything to him about the incident…
He is very disappointed at the moment, it’s better not to talk to him. 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] explain[ed] 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.
On the two penalties…
I was surprised by both decisions. But I am not the referee and I don’t think my opinion is very important now because we cannot come back and change it.
On what this does to Arsenal's title aspirations…
Mathematically two points, psychologically the damage is bigger tonight because everyone is very disappointed in the dressing room. Only the future will tell.
[Saturday, February 05, 2011]
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