Skip to content

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are in a 'difficult moment' ahead of Champions League clash

Arsene Wenger, West Brom v Arsenal, Premier League
Image: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal's recent form has been 'very disappointing'

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal are in the midst of a "difficult moment" in the build-up to their crucial Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.

The Gunners slipped to a 2-1 defeat at West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday after Santi Cazorla's penalty miss. 

The midfielder lost his footing to balloon a late spot-kick over as Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League or even claim a point at The Hawthorns.

Boss Wenger claimed the defeat was a "nightmare" and, ahead of Tuesday's visit of Zagreb with Arsenal six points behind the top two in Group F, he knows they must recover.

Santi Cazorla did not want to be consoled by Craig Gardner after missing the penalty
Image: Santi Cazorla missed a penalty late on against West Brom

"It is severe disappointment, we want to bounce back," Wenger said.

"Now we cannot change it and the only thing we can do is bounce back on Tuesday night. It is a difficult moment for us, yes.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal did not deserve to lose at West Brom on Saturday

"In the last two games, we took one point out of six and that is very difficult and very disappointing when you are on such a great run. We have to come back quickly and focus."

Also See:

Mikel Arteta scored an own goal which proved to be the winner for Albion after James Morrison cancelled out Olivier Giroud's opener.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Matt Le Tissier analyses Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at West Brom

Arsenal's injury woes also grew after Francis Coquelin and Arteta joined a lengthy list who are already in the treatment room. Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere are among those sidelined.

Francis Coquelin picked up the injury against Chelsea
Image: Francis Coquelin will miss Arsenal's Champions League match

"It looks difficult to have players come back Tuesday night," said Wenger. "I can rotate a bit within the squad but Ramsey will be short and Chamberlain will be short and they are the two closest.

"Honestly I don't know [about Coquelin]. I have to wait, maybe Monday, to see how big the damage is, at the moment he is on crutches."

Live Ford Super Sunday

Get Sky Sports Alerts
Get Sky Sports Alerts

Breaking news, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - direct to your mobile

Around Sky