Gunners under fire from fans
CITY’S PEP DESPAIRS: ‘WE FORGOT TO PLAY’
Middlesbrough, Swansea don’t do themselves a favour.
Arsene Wenger endured more frustration as Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by top four rivals Manchester City, while Swansea and Middlesbrough remain in relegation danger after a 0-0 draw yesterday.
With Arsenal fans once again calling for Wenger to resign during a pre-match protest march outside the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners boss desperately needed a dominant display from his team.
Instead, Arsenal twice had to come from behind to avoid a third successive Premier League defeat.
The north Londoners remain in sixth place, seven points behind fourth-placed City in the fight to qualify for the Champions League via a top four finish.
“We were nervous and surprised by their start. I feared that we could start with the handbrake on because of the pressure we are under,” Wenger said.
“We were not completely at our best because of the pressure but we showed mental strength and did not lie down.
“Mathematically a draw is not the best solution for both teams but it is a point which will help us.”
City manager Pep Guardiola added: “We didn’t play in the first half, after the goal we forgot to play, the desire went.
“In the second half we played more. We suffered a lot in the first half because we did not make those passes together.”
Most City fans believe their team should have snatched a victory in the final seconds when Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal appeared to handle the ball, but the referee wasn’t convinced.
At the Liberty Stadium, Middlesbrough wasted a chance to boost their survival bid in a stalemate with relegation rivals Swansea. Second from bottom Middlesbrough, without a win in 12 league games, are four points behind third-bottom Hull, although they have a game in hand on both sides in the battle to avoid dropping into the Championship.
It was also a missed opportunity for Swansea, who could have pulled clear of the bottom three but instead remain in deep trouble themselves, just one point above Hull following their third successive game without a win.
“It would have been harsh if we’d lost that game on the chances we created. We just couldn’t get over the line,” Swansea boss Paul Clement said.
Middlesbrough manager Agnew added: “The attitude and intensity of the players was there for all to see and that will hold us in good stead.” –