Arsenal don’t collapse in February, insists Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has rubbished the suggestion that Arsenal perennially collapse in February ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool at The Emirates.

The Gunners are currently in second place and a point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of their cup clash against the Reds before facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

I think we have done quality until now and that we just have to continue to focus on the quality

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal suffered a 5-1 loss at Anfield last weekend before a goalless draw with Manchester United mid-week, with the Gunners being accused of choking at the business end of the season.

Despite previous failure in the Champions League and Premier League, Wenger refuted claims that the Gunners perennially struggle in February and backed his side to come through a tough run of fixtures.

“People say we collapsed and crumbled – we never collapsed,” Wenger said. “We had some punctures and disappointments but, if you collapse, you finish 10th in this league.

“We never crumbled, we always finished strong and, if you look at the number of points we took at the end of the season, you will see that we never collapsed, despite some big disappointments.

“We went out twice against Barcelona, once against Bayern on the away goal, we have not been very lucky with the draws in the Champions League.

“I think we have done quality until now and that we just have to continue to focus on the quality.”