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Arsene believes Gunners can still recover

Comment: 0 February 2nd, 2012 by: admin

THERE is still hope for Arsenal.

That is of course, if you’ll ask Arsene Wenger.

Despite the announcement that Jack Wilshere would be out for the rest of the season and their dull draw against Bolton, the Gunners’ boss believes they can still barge into the Top Four of the Premier League.

“Of course I am confident of a top four finish,” said Wenger after his men were held to a scoreless tie by Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday.

Aside from that lethargic show against the Trotters, Arsenal’s drive was hampered by the news late Tuesday that their key midfielder Wilshere had a stress fracture in his right heel, an injury that would sideline him the remainder of this term.

Wenger’s men found themselves skidding to seventh in the league and are now behind Chelsea by five points. The draw sent Bolton two points clear of the relegation zone.

The fact that there is still a long way to go however, is keeping Wenger optimistic about their chances.

“I’m confident we can come back,” he added. “We have come through a difficult period. We lost three league games but could have won them as well.”

The French boss said they need to produce their form game by game, adding they should now threat every game as a cup final. “We go into a period now playing in the FA Cup, playing in the Champions League and, combined, they will be difficult.”

As for Wilshere’s prolonged absence, Wenger lamented it is frustrating not to have his top playmaker around.

“You want your best player when you go into February in the Champions League, the FA Cup and you want to come back into the top four with your best players available,” he said.

Against Bolton, Arsenal again showed they lacked the finishing kick and nearly were beaten when the Trotters threatened in the latter stages.

“We took risks and were bit unlucky when we hit the bar and the post,” said Wenger, referring to Robin van Persie’s two attempts in the second period which both struck the woodwork.

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