• Premier League

Chelsea thrashing is my fault - Wenger

ESPN staff
March 22, 2014
Blues batter Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took full responsibility for his side's 6-0 hammering against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as his 1000th game in charge of the Gunners ended in embarrassment.

Wenger ducked out of his post match media conference after claiming "the team bus had to leave quickly", but he did not hide his feelings as he gave a candid interview to the BBC.

"This defeat is my fault, I take full responsibility for it," he said. "I don' t think there's too much need to talk about the mistakes we made. We got a good hiding today. It's how we respond now on Tuesday night [against Swansea] and the best way is not to explain too much the mistakes.

"Yes, of course it's one of the worst days [in my career]. It's over after 20 minutes and it's a long game after that. You don't prepare all week to experience that kind of experience."

Wenger went on to give his verdict on the red card that was mistakenly given to Kieran Gibbs, as he refused to use that decision as an excuse for his team's heavy defeat.

"I believe it was handball but the referee hasn't seen it," added Wenger. "The ball went out and I think it's Chamberlain who touched the ball. I don't know who gave indication to the referee that it was handball but he has certainly not seen it. Of course. it's a huge disappointment today but we want to win the next game now."

Arsenal's first chance to make amends comes against Swansea City on Tuesday evening at the Emirates. That is their game in hand on leaders Chelsea, who they trail by seven points in the league table. They then face Manchester City, also at the Emirates, on Saturday.

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