Wenger: Draw difficult to accept against Liverpool
Wenger was unhappy not to be awarded a penalty
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Wednesday, 02, Apr 2008 11:14
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side's 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Champions League was difficult to accept.
Wenger claims the Gunners dominated possession and territory while the Reds offered little in the way of a goal threat.
Although the Frenchman admitted the visitors had defended well, particularly in the second half, he was surprised the Gunners had not been able to add to Emmanuel Adebayor's opening goal.
He said: "It is difficult to understand as we had a lot of possession and a lot of chances and it is very difficult to accept that we didn't win the game.
"The game was played in one half in the second period and it was difficult because Liverpool defended well."
Arsenal had two excellent chances before Adebayor struck and Wenger was also mystified how his side had not been awarded a penalty late in the game.
Dirk Kuyt appeared to pull back Alexander Hleb but the referee chose to give a corner instead of a foul – much to Wenger's disbelief.
He exclaimed: "That is what is most disappointing because sometimes the referee is in a bad position, but he was five yards away from Kuyt and in fairness it was a 100 per cent penalty."
Wenger will be without striker Robin van Persie for the league game between the Gunners and the Reds on Saturday after the Dutchman came off with an ankle injury in the second half.
The Gunners manager added: "It doesn't look too bad but we took him off for a precaution but I still think he will be short for next game and possibly the one after."
Wenger will hope his side are more clinical in front of goal during their next two matches against the Reds as they try to keep their title aspirations and Champions League chances alive.