Wenger was ‘fuming’ in the build up to Arsenal’s controversial goal against Burnley
Oct 3, 2016 at 3:45 PM
Arsenal can count themselves very lucky to have come away from Turf Moor with a win on Sunday.
A poor performance from the Gunners should have seen the spoils shared with Burnley yet a controversial last-minute goal from Laurent Koscielny secured all three points for the away side.
From Alexis Sanchez’s cross, Theo Walcott flicked a header to the far post where Koscielny appeared to handle the ball into an open net.
Undeserved, but certainly vital.
Victory for Arsenal meant they closed the gap on league leaders Manchester City to two points, with Pep Guardiola’s side losing 2-0 to Tottenham hours before.
It wasn’t all smiles for manager Arsene Wenger, though. In a post-match press conference, the Frenchman revealed how he was “fuming” with his Arsenal players moments before they struck their dramatic late winner.
He told reporters, per Squawka: “I invite you to sit on the bench. I was fuming because we played a short corner.
“It looked to me like we were at the end of the two minutes – why did we not take a direct corner? I didn’t see the ball go in.
“But I’ve been told by the television that we were a bit fortunate to have the goal allowed.”
Wenger will ultimately care little about how the three points came about on his 20th anniversary as Arsenal manager.
“It’s a big win,” he added, “because [Manchester] City lost today and we were five points behind and when you’re five points behind a top-quality team when you have the opportunity to get a bit closer, you cannot miss it.
“That would have been the negative aspect of our game today had we not won, but I must say I’m long enough in the job to know that you feel disappointed if you’re in Burnley’s shoes.
“They gave absolutely everything and you can understand that they are a bit gutted to lose a game like that.”
Arsenal’s players can now head into the international break delighted with their recent run of form in the Premier League.
Since drawing with Leicester City on August 20, the Gunners have recorded a 100% win record and played some fantastic football.
A 3-0 win over Chelsea last weekend was the pick of their results, where they demolished their London rivals and announced themselves as title challengers.