Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Arsenal have gone backwards'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 March 2018

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger concedes that his side have taken a backwards step as the Frenchman heads towards his worst season in Premier League management.

Arsene Wenger has confessed that Arsenal are in a worse position now compared to 12 months ago, but insists that he is 'not worried' about the prospect of losing his job.

The Gunners have won fewer than half of their Premier League games this season - the first time that has happened since the Frenchman's first campaign at the helm in 1996-97.

Last weekend's 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final was their seventh defeat in 13 games since the start of 2018, meanwhile, and they are now left fighting for just the Europa League.

As Arsenal head for their worst season of his long-running tenure, Wenger admits that his side have gone backwards.

Asked if 2017-18 was worse than last year's campaign, the 68-year-old told reporters: "It is, because last year we won the FA Cup and made 75 points. I don't deny that. We analyse that at the end of the season and don't worry. I can live with reality.

"When you lose a cup final and you play the same team three or four days later, you have always a problem. I knew that before the game. On top of that, it's a top side, top quality, so I knew before the game that it could be a difficult game, but you always hope that things go for you.

"It's a big disappointment for the players. On top of that, they have to face a media storm that does not contribute to help, and the other side got plaudits. Confidence is a big part of the game."

Arsenal, who travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday lunchtime, finished fifth with their 75 points last season.