Wenger wants Gunners response

Tuesday 20 December, 2005

Arsenal Coach Arsène Wenger has urged his players to show a positive reaction after their defeat against Chelsea.

The Gunners were humbled 2-0 at Highbury by the Premiership leaders and now lie 20 points below the Blues.

But while Wenger admits the title race is a bridge too far for his side this term, he still believes Champions' League qualification is a possibility.

“We have to be in the Champions' League next year,” said the former Monaco boss. “We want to finish as close as possible to the top team, whether it is Chelsea or somebody else.

“But we cannot just think we have some other targets in the shape of Europe and the cup competitions. We have to show our strength now and try to finish as high as we can in the Premiership.”