Arsene Wenger Defends Arsenal's Desire

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refuse to criticise his players' desire after their 3-2 defeat at Manchester United, insisting that they remain up for a title fight. Marcus Rashford scored twice for Louis van Gaal's side before Ander Herrera added a third while Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil were on target for the Gunners.

The Arsenal boss was disappointed with the way in which his side conceded the first two goals but said his players' commitment was 100 per cent. Wenger told Sky Sports “When we were on top of the game we conceded two quick goals from crosses. Overall, I think we had the first chance, we had a lot of the ball and we were caught on two crosses in the first half and in the second half on the counter-attack because we went after the game. They've scored the goals, we have to look at ourselves. What is for sure, our spirit and commitment was 100 per cent there but it is difficult to win away from home when you concede three goals. They stopped us a lot with little fouls and that was very frustrating, apart from that I could not question our desire or commitment at all”.

As for the effect the result will have on Arsenal's title challenge, Wenger remained defiant saying “We lost three points but you have to show that you are up for a fight and give absolutely everything in our next game, things can change quickly but only if you keep going and keep believing. We are in a fight where we can show that we have great character and a great mental response on Wednesday night. That's what we want to do. I'm very disappointed but I'm ready for a fight on Wednesday night”