2010-02-08 : Chelsea 2 - 0 Arsenal

Wenger: We couldn't turn our possession into goals

Dear Arsenal Supporter,

We didn't get a demonstration of football from Chelsea but they were efficient and, at the end of the day, that is what made the difference on Sunday.

I believe the first goal contributed highly to our defeat and that is where we were guilty. Apart from that we had a great spirit and a great attitude. We had mountains of possession but couldn't transform it into goals - we couldn't come back to 2-1 and couldn't get them wobbling. Chelsea defended very well and on one or two occasions I believe we were a little bit unlucky with one or two decisions from the referee.

We had 70 per cent of possession of the ball so we were not in a position where we were dominated. We were always in an attacking position and then you have to risk everything going forward and of course they are good on counter attacks. I believe that our spirit was great, our performance was great but in a big game like that when you are 2-0 down you demand too much.

For me, as much as we didn't turn up against Manchester United last week, on Sunday we had the expected performance. We were still a bit uncertain at the start of the game but then we were completely dominant.

I always thought we would come back, I always had that feeling. But you have to give Chelsea credit, they defended very well, they are very experienced at the back. They make the foul at the right time when they are caught on the counter-attack. The little push, it is not enough to get a yellow card. They have a lot of tricks as a very experienced team and they do that very well.

Nicklas Bendtner is adamant that he should have had a penalty in the second half, 100 per cent. One of his big qualities is that he is honest and the referee had a good position but I suppose he didn't see it. That can happen.

As for the title race, I feel that we are not in the best position but we will not give up. We were a bit unfortunate as well in the same period to play Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool on the trot. If you lose one game if is very difficult with the psychological implications for the next game. I believe that is a little bit of a disadvantage. But now of course it is vital to beat Liverpool.

Thanks for your support.

Arsène Wenger