Wenger blasts internationals after Baggies’ shock victory

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger turned his considerable ire towards the international break which he believes robbed him of three points at The Hawthorns, and almost certainly ended his side’s Premiership title chances.

The gap between the Gunners and Chelsea now stands at an impenetrable 14 points after substitute Darren Carter’s magnificent 77th minute winner sealed West Brom’s victory.

Wenger’s injury woes have worsened in recent weeks with Alexander Hleb sustaining a knee injury, Sol Campbell tweaking a hamstring and Robin van Persie injuring his thigh all while on duty with their respective countries.

They joined Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole on the sidelines, while Gilberto was missing after returning late from a trip to Brazil.

As if Wenger didn’t have enough problems, Freddie Ljungberg is now out for at least three weeks after limping off with a hamstring pull.

Wenger said: “It makes a farce of the whole situation. There are some things going on with the international game that are unbelievable.

“We lost Hleb for two months with a cartilage tear - Belarus try to push him out to play on Wednesday, they wanted to inject him to play and it is just not acceptable.

“The guy had surgery on Friday and he should have had it one week ago but they even tried to play him for a game in which nothing was at stake.

“It is difficult to accept that not only do they not respect the health of the players but they don’t care about the players at all.”

Wenger felt his inexperienced reinforcements cost his side the game as they failed to hang on to Philippe Senderos’ 17th minute goal.

Senderos’ half-clearance allowed former Gunner Kanu to blast the Baggies level before the break before Carter - who had only been on the field nine minutes - sent his superb left-foot volley crashing past a helpless Jens Lehmann to seal his side’s shock win.

Wenger criticised his own side’s display while also reserving some harsh words for the Baggies.

Wenger added: “I feel the team played with great spirit but we were punished for a lack of experience and maturity because we didn’t take advantage of the chances we created and gave goals away for fun.

“It looked more like a youth team the way we conceded the goals. West Brom were very subdued I feel and didn’t create a lot... it was a bit like they were happy with the 1-1.”

That suggestion was denied by Robson, revelling in a momentous victory which could change his side’s season for the better after a dismal run of just one point from a possible 18 plunged them back into the drop zone.

Opta Fact: West Brom won for the first time ever in the Premiership after conceding the opening goal.

Opta Fact: Ten different players have scored for Arsenal in the five Premiership meetings with West Brom.