• Premier League

Wenger blasts 'timid' players

ESPN staff
January 14, 2013
Arsene Wenger was unhappy with his side's performance © PA Photos
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his players were too timid in their 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

Wenger's men went down to 10 men when defender Laurent Koscielny was sent-off for wrestling Edin Dzeko to the floor after just 10 minutes. Goals to James Milner and Edin Dzeko gave City the advantage thereafter, and Wenger says his side paid the price for a meek opening to the game.

"Overall we started too timid, with not enough authority in a game like that, and allowed them to dictate," Wenger said. "We paid very early for that.We didn't start with enough confidence or authority. You have to dictate your personality, especially defensively.

"It is frustrating because the team showed great heart and desire after that, but we were a bit too nervous to play in a serene way at home and that is costing us.

"The players want to do well, it is just the fact that we need to be a bit more confident in this kind of game. We want to do so well, that we are a bit uptight. It is not anger, it is frustration that we do not see from the start what this team is capable of."

Wenger had not yet reviewed Koscielny's red card when he spoke after the match, insisting that would not change the outcome.

"What do I make of the decision? That is not really important. You have to live with the decision," the Arsenal boss said. "I was surprised, but honestly I refuse to watch it again because what does it help now?

"I will watch it again. I have heard it was a penalty. Was it a red card? I don't know."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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