Wenger 'worried' by Gunners slump

Crisis is not a word you would expect to be associated with a team on the verge of a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is “worried” about his team’s form.

While the Gunners continue to revel in the glory nights like that against Real Madrid last week when they defeated the ‘galacticos’ in the Bernabeu, their displays in the Premier League are a different matter.

An eighth away defeat – Arsenal’s 10th loss of the season – at Blackburn on Saturday coupled with Bolton’s victory over Fulham yesterday has seen Wenger’s side drop to seventh.

While the team are casting wistful glances at fourth-placed Tottenham, occupying the final Champions League qualification spot five points ahead, they also have to keep looking over their shoulder, because if West Ham win their match in hand they will also overtake the Gunners.

Arsenal could be faced with the stark possibility of having to win the Champions League in order to play elite European football next season.

“Of course the Real Madrid victory is a huge incentive to us for playing in the Champions League again,” said Wenger.

“But that is long term. If you want to get back in there you have to take care of results in the championship and for me at the moment it is a big worry.”

Under Wenger’s charge Arsenal have not finished outside the Premiership’s top three in nine seasons.

However, unless they can find a solution to their woeful form on the road they could be destined for their worst campaign since 1995 when, after George Graham was sacked following a bung scandal, they placed 13th under Stewart Houston’s temporary stewardship.

Wenger knows where the problem lies but he has to find a solution before it throws their season off the rails altogether.

“It just feels the scenario is always the same [away from home]. After 20 minutes we are 1-0 down and we have to change the game,” he said.

“At the moment we are not confident enough to start the game strongly enough and put pressure on the opponent, while not making a mistake ourselves.

“But there are still 11 games to go and enough points to take to get back in it.”

Arsenal’s difficulties are plain to see. In 14 Premiership matches away from Highbury they have scored just nine goals.

That does not bode well for the trip to Fulham on Saturday as Chris Coleman’s side have dropped only 10 points in 13 games at Craven Cottage, winning nine of those.

Wenger rejected suggestions that his team on their travels were more reluctant to play the kind of attacking football which has become a trademark under him.

“We used to score goals away from home but you know when you are 1-0 down it doesn’t make it easier, it makes it more difficult,” he argued.

“At Blackburn we played with Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Thierry Henry – even (midfielder) Abou Diaby is an offensive player.

“We had enough offensive players. I just feel it is a little bit of a lack of confidence and the fact we always have the same problem in getting the ball behind defenders.”