Wenger takes blame for woes

ARSENE WENGER yesterday accepted responsibility for Arsenal’s decline and admitted the club’s supporters had every right to voice their displeasure at the failure to strengthen the squad.

“I think I’m responsible for the result and I’m very disappointed,” he said. “I stand up for that. The players had an outstanding attitude. We have accumulated disappointment and that has had a big impact on the morale of the team.

“We played 58 games and have had big players out — Fabregas has played 22 games, Van Persie 18. In the decisive moment we have never had the whole team together. We have to rectify things but even with money that is not easy.”

And he added: “The fans have a right to chant. They have been outstanding. They are not happy, I’m not happy and we need to accept that. But we have not to go overboard.

“Maybe in one year you will realise it’s not as easy to always finish in the top four. As long as we can be hugely disappointed to be fourth, which we are, but we have to make sure we can climb up the table. I think this year was the best chance we had for five or six years.

“We cannot buy players for £50m. We have to be realistic. If we find the right players we’ll spend the right money.

“Fourth place is disappointing because three weeks ago we were in a positions to win the game and of course we didn’t lose our top three place today, we lost it last week.”

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is confident the dismissal of Zoltan Gera won’t affect the club’s bid to qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play league.

Hughes said: “We are hopeful that the sending off wont have much impact. Its factored over 38 games the average, You hope that hasn’t cost us, I would like think it hasn’t because it is some achievement.

“I think eighth is an achievement but obviously if we can have European football it will be viewed as an outstanding season. European football can help when you try to attract players to your club as well. There is an intention and will to do well in the competition.”