Arsene Wenger has admitted to
feeling 'a little bit lost' following Arsenal's defeats in all
three cup competitions.
The Gunners' draw against PSV Eindhoven last week proved
insufficient to progress in the UEFA Champions League and it means
Wenger's team have exited three cup competitions in the space of a
fortnight.
Wenger is desperate to lift his side for Wednesday's Premiership
match against Aston Villa and hopefully close the gap on Manchester
United and Chelsea but the Frenchman admits the recent loss of form
has come as a shock.
"Recently we've hit the wall a little bit," said Wenger.
"Not spectacularly but enough that we are not able to push on like
on Wednesday night [against PSV].
"On Wednesday we looked for something special but it didn't come
because at the moment it is not in the team.
"It's the first time it has happened and I'm a little bit lost at
the moment.
"I'm always planning for the next game but at the moment it is a
shock to the system as a club because it's the first time, but I am
very busy planning for the Premier League.
"After such a disappointment it's difficult to pick yourself up
again, but on the other hand I know how proud they are and how much
they want to show that they have quality and finish as close as
possible to Manchester United and Chelsea."
Injuries have severely hampered Arsenal's quest, with Thierry Henry
recently sidelined for the rest of the season.
"We could have Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte back [against
Villa] and Tomas Rosicky will be a little bit short," he
added.
"But we lose Gael Clichy, who is suspended and injured, and we lose
Kolo [Toure], [Emmanuel] Adebayor and [Emmanuel] Eboue who are
suspended again.
"We also miss Thierry, Robin van Persie...the list is so long I
must take care not to forget anyone."
