Arsene Wenger: Chelsea Game was a ‘Test’; Gunners ‘Frustrated’ By Marseille

Arsene Wenger labeled his team’s latest Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge as a ‘test’, with the Gunners passing with flying colors.

“For us it was a massive test, first quality-wise and second to see if we could compete in terms of quality with top teams,” Wenger said.

“Nobody knew (whether we could) before the game. It was also a test to see if we were capable of winning when playing well, and we did.

“It was the team’s first big win together and before the game in their heads there was uncertainty about whether they could win a big game.

“It was a very exciting game with goals. It was an enjoyable weekend.”

Despite the Gunners inspired performance, their defense was rather ordinary yet again.

In fact, calling the back four “ordinary” would be giving them a huge compliment. OK maybe not a “huge” compliment, but a substantial one nonetheless.

Any objections? Not from Arsene Wenger.

“Is it torturous to watch us play how we do sometimes? Yes,” Wenger said.

“We gave them too much room, too far in midfield, exposed on long balls over the top, so you can only hope you do not pay too much for it.

“There is still some room for improvement defensively.

“In the first half we were too vulnerable. Chelsea missed some chances, so we can still improve.”

Wenger also added that his side are from contention to win the English Premier League and rightfully so.

“At the time, you want them to be as happy. There is a need for us to communicate with our fans again and that was a good chance, we wanted that,” said Wenger.

“After that (match), we have won nothing. We must just use it as a springboard to go further towards our target. The players know that.”

On Tuesday, Arsenal was held to a 0-0 draw versus Marseille in the UEFA Champions League group stages.

Following the match, Sky Sports asked Gunners winger Theo Walcott if he was frustrated that Arsenal were unable to take three points from the match.

“Of course we are frustrated,” said the England winger.

“With the great support, we want to be winning our home matches but we have been solid at the back and managed to keep a clean sheet.

“The strikers didn’t manage to get the ball in the net this time, but it’s a point and we look forward to the weekend now.

“Saturday’s game against Chelsea did take a lot out of us, but we know what to expect in the Champions League – we play every week now.

“They are a very strong team and we found it quite tough out there because of what they can do as well.”