Disappointing finish for Arsenal

After drawing 2-2 away to Fulham on Sunday, Arsene Wenger readily conceded that Arsenal have suffered a disappointing end to the season.

The Gunners levelled twice in the match at Craven Cottage, with goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott cancelling out strikes from Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora.

Taking just one point from their last two matches means Arsenal finish fourth in the English Premier League table, requiring them to enter the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

“It was an average game and in the end we felt the disappointment with fourth place because three weeks ago we were in the position to win the league,” Wenger said.

“Of course we didn’t lose our top-three place today, we lost it last week and that is why in the end we have to go through a qualifier,” Wenger added, referring to a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa last week.

Wenger believes the pain of losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham, as well as exiting the Champions League and FA Cup against Barcelona and Manchester United respectively, proved too much for his team to bounce back from.

“We had accumulated disappointments which had a big impact on the morale of the team,” he said.

“We are frustrated, disappointed, but as well we have not to go overboard and think that our team is not good.”

“We have to rectify some things in our squad and will try to do it but it’s not easy, even with money, but we will try to do it.”

“Even if people say you have to spend money we have to be realistic.We can’t buy players for 50 million pounds. That is a fact.”

“The amount of money is not always linked with the quality of player.”

“First you have to find the right players and then turn up with the money – but if we find the right players we will spend the money.”

The home side had midfielder Zoltan Gera sent off just four minutes after coming on as a substitute, jeopardising Fulham’s bid to enter the Europa League courtesy of their fair-play ranking.

“I am hopeful it (the red card) won’t have too much impact because it’s factored over 38 games,” Fulham manager Mark Hughes said.

“It is some achievement this season – eighth is an achievement and European football counts as an outstanding season. There is the intention and the will to do well in the competition.”