Ian Wright questions Arsene Wenger’s defence of Arsenal

Ian Wright has criticised Arsene Wenger’s defence of his Arsenal players after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester United.

The Gunners squandered the opportunity to capitalise on a weakened Red Devils side at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal’s weakened line-up secured a 3-2 victory.

If you let them continuously get away with doing naughty things, they’re going to keep doing it

Ian Wright

Wenger refused to criticise his Gunners players after the final whistle despite the north Londoners’s latest setback in the title race.

Former Arsenal striker Wright was left bemused after watching Wenger’s post-match interview with Match of the Day 2, questioning why the Frenchman is letting his players off the hook following another poor performance.

“I can’t understand it when he says he can’t fault the desire and the commitment,” Wright told BBC Sport.

“Arsenal scored two goals without trying too hard because that was how weak the United defence was.

“If they really had the desire and commitment of a team that needs to win a game, they started the game poorly.”

Wright added: “Hearing Wenger saying that is like having naughty kids coming round your house.

“If you let them continuously get away with doing naughty things, they’re going to keep doing it. Wenger say stuff like this and it makes the Arsenal players think it’s ok.”

Arsenal are five points behind leaders Leicester City after the Foxes were dramatic 1-0 winners against Norwich City at King Power Stadium on Saturday.

The FA Cup holders host Swansea City in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

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Arsenal’s next away game in the Premier League is a trip to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.