Wenger blames FA Cup defeat
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final was a factor in their Champions League exit to Chelsea.
"I think it played a part in tonight's game," he said.
"When you go on a long unbeaten run, the first defeat is a big blow because it is a long time since you had to deal with it.
"We still have the Premiership to go for and we have a good mental test now which starts on Friday."
Wenger felt Frank Lampard's equaliser was the turning point in the Champions League quarter-final after Jose Antonio Reyes had given Arsenal the lead.
"It was very disappointing because we had done the most difficult thing and played a great first-half," he said.
"Their goal was a turning-point because we became nervous about conceding a second goal. I am convinced we have the players to bounce back from this.
"We lost our team play and from then on, they looked comfortable, as if they had nothing to lose, and we had problems dealing with that."
Arsenal, who lead the Premiership by four points from Chelsea, now face Liverpool on Friday and Newcastle on Sunday in two crucial league games.
Wenger said: "We have a job to do and we can show that it's not just about winning, it's about how you recover when you are in a bad situation.
"I am convinced we have the players to respond. We have the quality and the mental strength to bounce back."
However, Arsenal will be without Thierry Henry this weekend after he picked up a hamstring injury.
"He will be out for the weekend but it's difficult to say for how long after that," said Wenger.
[此贴子已经被作者于2004-4-7 9:10:51编辑过]