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Rediff.com  » Sports » Will faltering Arsenal manage to make EPL top four?

Will faltering Arsenal manage to make EPL top four?

April 25, 2016 15:48 IST
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Arsenal's Arsene Wenger

IMAGE: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Photograph: Lee Smith Livepic/Action Images via Reuters

Manager Arsene Wenger has admitted concern over Arsenal's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a top-four league finish after Sunday's goalless draw against relegation-threatened Sunderland.

Wenger also admitted that he was frustrated by his side's repeated draws as these were hampering Arsenal's chances of qualifying for next year's Champions League.

 "It is frustrating because we play to win the title and the fact that we do not win it is of course frustrating, like it is for many other teams," Wenger was quoted as saying by goal.com.

The Frenchman also expressed his disappointment over his side's failure to take advantage of Sunderland's anxiety during the match.

"They started with a bit of anxiety and we had to take advantage of that level of anxiety they had at the start of the game, but we couldn't and you know with the fact that you have played Sunday, Thursday, today that you could suffer a little bit physically in the second half and that's what happened," he added.

The Stadium of Light stalemate kept the north London side behind third-placed Manchester City on goal difference but did open a five-point gap over leading pursuers Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

"We care about that and we worry about it as well because it's a fight," Wenger told the British media of the club's top-four ambitions with three games remaining.

"We play to win the title and the fact that we do not win it is of course frustrating."

Wenger also felt that with the European spots out of reach for several mid-table clubs who have already secured their top-flight status for next season, some teams could have an easier run in than others.

"There are two leagues at the moment. The teams who are taking it a little bit easier... you see some games and you think you would like to play them now, the teams who are safe and are not going for Europe," the Frenchman added.

"And then you have the teams who are going for something at the front and the teams who are fighting not to go down, and they are different games."

Arsenal next host third-from-bottom NorwichCity at the Emirates Stadium in the league on Saturday.

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