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Wenger fires back over 'twisted' Cesc comments

Cesc Fabregas was left on his knees after Arsenal's draw with Tottenham © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger insists Cesc Fabregas' words were completely twisted after the captain was quoted telling a Spanish magazine that Arsenal must bring in experienced players if they are to win trophies.

Fabregas conducted an interview with Don Balon in which he was quoted as saying Arsenal must make a choice between winning trophies and relying on youth development. Some articles in England also emphasised remarks suggesting Wenger would have been dismissed as a result of the six-year trophy drought had he been in charge of a Spanish club.

Fabregas, though, wrote on his Twitter account in the aftermath that the remarks had been distorted. "Incredible that people try and twist everything to make headlines," he wrote. "Arsene Wenger has had a huge impact on me and my career. Great man."

Wenger has now claimed that the original article in Spain misrepresented Fabregas and that the author reneged on an agreement to provide the club with the chance to approve the piece.

"The article bothers me," Wenger said. "This was an article organised by the club with a check viewing of the article.

"Not only did the author not respect the agreement, but also he did twist completely the article and we are really upset about it. It was not an attack on my philosophy. That is not what he [Fabregas] said. He said completely the opposite."

Suggestions of a lack of maturity in the squad, though, were given more credence as the Gunners once more let a lead slip in the 3-3 draw at Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Arsenal had led the game 3-1 shortly before half-time but once more dropped points. They are now six points behind leaders Manchester United once more, but have dropped to third place on goal difference and have won just one of their last six league games.

Wenger, though, is refusing to admit defeat.

"The title race is completely open," he said. "This team has a remarkable attitude, and even if at the moment we do not have the number of points, we are remarkably consistent and it was a difficult game.

"With an average performance, we would not have come away with a point. We are on a 16-game unbeaten run but recently we haven't got enough points because of too many draws. That's what we want to turn around until the end of the season.

"Chelsea are now back in the race. Chelsea play Man United and Tottenham but it's down to us. We have to keep our faith and keep battling."

On the draw at Spurs, he added: "It's disappointing because we had the lead and we were caught from being 3-1 ahead. The attitude was fantastic and we played the game we wanted to play.

"It's frustrating that we conceded three goals because, especially in the first half, we controlled the game. I don't think 3-2 reflected the first half - they didn't create a lot in the first half."

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