Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Arsenal was “a big worry” for him, but said the pressure is no different from what he’s used to.
Monday’s loss marked Arsenal’s fourth straight away from home in the Premier League — a feat unprecedented in Wenger’s two decades in charge
“Every defeat is a big worry. I’ve managed over 1,100 games for Arsenal and we’re not used to that,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “It’s a big worry. Unfortunately it is like that and we have to respond very quickly and not accept it.
“I’m disappointed and determined to put things right. Tonight the worry is not me, it’s the fact we lost a big game and that’s a big worry.”
Wenger said Arsenal had chances to score but was less impressed and conceded his players were often second-best in many “decisive duels.”
“We lost too many duels and we paid for that,” he told the BBC. “There is no obvious reason why. We prepared and everyone prepared well. It’s difficult to explain just after the game.
“I don’t think my players didn’t want it, but we lost duels in decisive moments and that’s how games are decided at this level.”
Arsenal fans, already angry with Wenger, turned on the players by chanting “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” at Selhurst Park, and the manager said he understood the supporters’ frustrations.
“I understand our fans are disappointed and we all are deeply tonight,” Wenger. It’s very worrying and disappointing the way we lost the game. Palace were sharp, they beat Chelsea the other day, and that shows they have quality.
“We are in a difficult position. The game tonight doesn’t help.”
Arsenal remained seven points back of the fourth-placed Manchester City, but Wenger said the result didn’t change his thoughts on his still-to-be-determined future plans.
“I face it in every press conference at the moment but tonight I’m not in the mood to speak about it,” he said. At the moment I pay more respect to the fact we had a disappointing result. What counts is how we perform on the pitch, the players and myself and I feel everyone is focused in the club to do it.”
And asked if uncertainty about his future is affecting the Arsenal players, Wenger said: “No, I don’t think so.”
