Arsenal paralysed by Man Utd memories— Wenger News

Navigation: Home / News / Euro Soccer Update / Arsenal paralysed by Man Utd memories— Wenger

Arsenal paralysed by Man Utd memories— Wenger

By Nelson Dafe, with Agency Reports on December 24, 2017

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger blames a poor first-half showing in Friday’s thrilling draw with Liverpool at the Emirates on his players being “paralysed” and “frozen” by memories of their defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.

The Gunners were fortunate to be trailing to Jurgen Klopp’s side by just Philippe Coutinho’s first Premier League headed goal at the break and soon found themselves further behind when Mohamed Salah notched his 21st goal of the season.

But three goals in five minutes from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil turned the game on the head only for Roberto Firmino to power home a leveller and secure a point in a memorable 3-3 draw.

It was reminiscent of Arsenal’s ponderous start against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side on 3 December where Arsenal fell behind to two early goals and went on to lose 3-1 despite dominating the second-half and United having Paul Pogba sent-off.

Wenger said: “I felt in the first-half we were paralysed and frozen. We played too deep, gave too many long balls away and were second best everywhere.

“There was the psychological factor where you could see the Manchester United game had a bearing. The bad start was absolutely there.

“We were lucky it was just 1-0 at half-time. It could have been game over. We had to show a new face.

“But we then showed quality and character and we have a team that has gained most points from lost positions and you could see why.

“The team knows what it wants to do and has character, but we were inhibited completely in the first-half.”

Burnley take on Tottenham at Turf Moor on Saturday, 23 December.

•Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 24, 2017