• Premier League

Wenger refuses to abandon title dream

ESPN staff
April 20, 2011
Rafael van der Vaart dealt a blow to Arsenal's title hopes by scoring twice © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger insisted Arsenal's mental strength is "outstanding" after they surrendered a two-goal lead to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners looked to be on course to cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the Premier League when they went 3-1 up, but Spurs fought back to draw 3-3, with Rafael van der Vaart netting a brace.

It was the second time this season Arsenal have blown a two-goal lead against their arch-rivals, having lost 3-2 at Emirates Stadium in November - but Wenger, who is not giving up on the title despite being six points off the top, refused to criticise his team.

"It's not over...we'll fight. In the second half we dropped physically because we had a difficult game on Sunday (at home to Liverpool). We've had two games in three games, our recovery was a bit short.

"We suffered physically in the second half and were very unfortunate to concede the penalty. Maybe the (Tottenham) second goal was decisive because we wanted to get to half-time with a two-goal lead, but we had an outstanding spirit and we have to keep battling to the last day.

"Tottenham are a good team and we have to accept they can score goals as well. Both sides could have won the game tonight but I didn't see any failure in our attitude. We came here to score goals and played a team who are very good going forward. Huddlestone's was an amazing goal.

"It was difficult to assess the penalty, I'll have to see it again. Our mental strength is outstanding. We have faced criticism but this team deserves much more."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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