Arsene Wenger pinpoints reasons for Arsenal’s failed title bid

Arsene Wenger believes that injuries to key players is the main reason behind Arsenal’s failed Premier League title bid this season.

The Gunners led the English top flight for much of the first half of the season but fell quickly off the pace after the turn of the year to leave them battling for Champions League qualification once again.

Arsenal have lost the likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil to injuries in recent months.

The regret we have is that too many players were out at the same time between Christmas and April

Arsene Wenger

And the Frenchman feels that his side were unable to cope without so many of their key players.

“When we came out of Christmas, we were in a strong position and what you want then is to have your strong players available in March and April,” said Wenger.

“We had too many injuries. It is very, very difficult – you can have one or two but after that when you have too many injuries you always have to play the same players and that is detrimental to the efficiency of the group.

“The regret we have is that too many players were out at the same time between Christmas and April.”

Wenger, whose side can secure Champions League qualification with victory over West Brom at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, continued: “The restriction we had was in the big games, when we only made draws and not wins in some of them.

“That’s where the missing points are at the moment because we are very close to the top. Maybe one or two wins at home would have made that difference.

“The regret we have of the season is that we have been remarkably consistent, [but] it is against the teams who did not fight for the Premier League title. But especially away from home in some of the big games, we could not claim the points.”