Tuesday 11 April 2017 09:06, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace is "damaging" for his side's top-four hopes.
Wenger's Arsenal were comprehensively beaten at Selhurst Park on Monday Night Football, leaving them seven points off fourth-place Man City, albeit with a game in hand.
Wenger admits the defeat is a big worry, and says the club are not used to losing like this, having been defeated for the fourth league away game on the trot for the first time since the Frenchman took over.
"It's damaging of course," he said. "On that front that's what is most difficult for us. It has consequences on our top four chances.
"You understand that our fans are very unhappy. You come here in the hope that we win the game.
"Every defeat is a big worry. I've managed over a thousand games for Arsenal Football Club and we are not used to it, so of course it's a big worry."
Asked if Arsenal's season is drifting away, Wenger conceded: "Unfortunately it is like that. We have to respond very quickly and not accept it.
"We created dangerous situations but defensively we were exposed. I thought it was level in the first-half but they came out stronger in the second half.
"I thought we were a bit unfortunate with the second and third goal. It killed our game."
Wenger's side were second-best to physical duels all over the pitch against Palace, who are fighting for survival at the bottom of the Premier League.
Christian Benteke in particular caused Arsenal's defence problems, and Wenger admits that Palace and the striker had more fight than his side.
"He [Benteke] was up for it, and he is a handful for everybody when he's like that. I think they were sharper than us in the duels and in many decisive situations.
"It's not the right moment to analyse the game. We had a lot of possession. They were stronger in the decisive duels, especially Benteke tonight."
Asked if there was an update on his future, Wenger said: "No."
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