Mourinho taunts Wenger after loss
‘Winning Europa is more important than fourth spot’
London – Jose Mourinho claimed Arsenal were lucky to end Arsene Wenger’s woeful record against his old rival, but the Manchester United manager insisted he wasn’t bothered because the Europa League is more important.
Gunners boss Wenger was able to celebrate a first Premier League victory over Mourinho at the 13th attempt as Arsenal won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
Goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck shattered United’s 25-match unbeaten run in the league.
Sixth-placed Arsenal closed the gap on fourth-placed Manchester City to six points with a game in hand.
Mourinho had already surrendered in the top-four race after sending out a weakened team against Arsenal as he prioritised the midweek Europa League semifinal second leg against Celta Viga.
United, who hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg, will qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League.
“Of course we knew we were not coming in our maximum power,” Mourinho said.
“We want to try to win the Europa League. It’s more important than finishing fourth.”
After a turbulent season that featured calls for his resignation from angry Arsenal fans, Wenger could have revelled in a rare upbeat moment this term.
But the Frenchman opted against taunting Mourinho.
“We have had many draws (against Mourinho) as well and there were some fantastic teams that we played against.
“It is not manager against manager,” he said.
Elsewhere, Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton at Anfield after James Milner missed a second half penalty.