2011-03-12 : Manchester United 2 - 0 Arsenal (FA Cup)

Wenger: 'They were more clinical than us'

Dear Arsenal Supporter,

We are all very disappointed by Saturday's defeat in the FA Cup. We were not outplayed but Manchester United but we were punished by a team that was more clinical than us.

I felt we had good control of the game. Man United had very few chances but they scored with almost their first attempt on goal. After that we put them in a position they like to be in, on the counter attack and they showed they are strong and clinical in front of goal.

In the second half we had a good opportunity to come back to 1-1 and two minutes later it was 2-0. As long as we could not come back to 2-1, they were comfortable. In the end, I cannot fault our effort but things do not go our way at the moment. We have gone out of three competitions in a strange way.

Now we have to keep going, support each other and come back strong. It was a strange game but we put a lot of effort in. At the moment, every goalkeeper against us is Man of the Match.

I also believe, subconsciously, that the disappointment of Tuesday night in Barcelona played a part on Saturday. You could see something has gone, not in our effort or our attitude, but confidence-wise.

Now we will find out about our mental strength because we will have to answer some questions in the next few weeks. We have to show that we have an answer to those who doubt us. We are used to being questioned by our environment, we have to show we are strong enough to deal with that.

I believe that we can win the title. It is a good test for us now, to show that we can regroup, show our mental strength and respond quickly. We have a week without a midweek game, that is the first time for a long time.

I don't believe the season is slipping away and Saturday's game can strengthen our resolve. The Man United game in the Premier League is only important if we win our games before that. But I am convinced that if that game is decisive, we have a good chance to do it at home.

Before that, it's important we respond very quickly. We go to West Brom on Saturday, we will see the first signs of how we recover there.

Unfortunately we will have to cope without Johan Djourou for the rest of the season - he has a dislocated shoulder. It will be difficult but we have a good opportunity to show that we are solid.

Thanks for your support.

Arsène Wenger