Wenger lost for words

Arsene Wenger was at a loss to explain why his Arsenal players struggled so badly in their 3-1 defeat away to Stoke City on Sunday.

Seemingly out of English Premier League title contention after another inconsistent season, Arsenal restored some pride with a 1-0 win at home to league leaders Manchester United last Sunday.

That victory provided the team renewed hope of claiming second place ahead of London rivals Chelsea.

But yet another below-par display at the Britannia Stadium – their seventh defeat of the league campaign – left Wenger with some serious questions to answer in the close season.

“Something has gone – you can see that today,” Wenger said. “It was a disappointing performance.”

“The competitive level for Stoke was higher than ours and overall I think we lost the game because they defended much better than we did, with much more purpose.”

“On that front, we were not at the right level, certainly not in the first half.”

“It is always difficult to say why, but it is a fact.”

“You are never happy when you are not competitive enough. Basically, there is not a lot to say.”

“Congratulations to them. We made too many mistakes to win a game like that. They defended well and it was always difficult for us.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis believes the win was a testament to the character of his players, who turned in a full-blooded performance despite Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester CIty.

“It was pleasing in the respect of the effort and commitment the players have put in when they know that their next game is at Wembley in an FA Cup final,” Pulis said.

“We have got a real good spirit in the camp and I think everybody understands and recognises that if they are picked to play for us, they have to run around, they have to work hard and they have to competitive.”

“We have got some good players as well to go with that, so we are really pleased.”