Wenger Admits Arsenal Slump After Champions League Exit

Lionel Messi produced one of the best European performances of all-time and scored all four of his side’s goals in their 4-1 victory over the Gunners.

The north London club have struggled to lift themselves since the defeat and have not won since, drawing one and losing three of their last four games including uncharacteristic losses away to Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

The Gunners also lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur during that run, and could see their local rivals overtake them if they lose to Fulham on Sunday.

However, Wenger has called on his side to end their underwhelming campaign on a high with victory over the Cottagers.

“I know this match against Fulham comes after a few disappointing results,” Wenger told a press conference.

“Since we have gone out of the Champions League there was a little downer in our heads, but we have enough pride and quality to finish the season well and to secure the third place.

“The concern is that at the moment we have many, many players out and as well, we just lost the games without any real logic.

“We lost at Wigan Athletic, we lost at Blackburn Rovers on controversial things which are difficult to accept – but we have to live with it and we have to secure the third place which will guarantee us the Champions League spot.”

If Spurs beat Burnley at Turf Moor and Arsenal lose to Fulham, Wenger’s men will slip to fourth and he admits they should have already secured third spot.

“I am surprised, because I thought we would make the points before now,” he added.

“But I knew that we had difficult games and that there could be something at stake.

“However, it is not too bad – it is good to have something at stake and we have an opportunity to go for third place.”?