Stoke 1 Arsenal 0: Arsene Wenger worried by ‘massive setback’

Arsene Wenger admitted that Arsenal’s loss at Stoke City was a “massive setback” as the Gunners fell four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

After a goalless first half, Jonathan Walters netted a 76th-minute penalty after defender Laurent Koscielny was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

And Wenger revealed his concern at the manner of the defeat, although he felt his side were “unlucky” to have been beaten.

Our offensive game was poor considering our standards. At the end of day we didn’t score

Arsene Wenger

“It is a big worry not to win a game like that,” said Wenger, whose side will drop to third in the table if Liverpool win at Southampton. “It’s a massive setback.

“We didn’t produce the performance that we wanted. To win a title, you have to perform when you’re expected to.

“It was a good defensive performance and overall I think we were unlucky to lose this game. Offensively we didn’t create enough. Our offensive game was poor considering our standards. At the end of day we didn’t score.

“I don’t assess our title chances at all. We just have to play well in the next game.”