Wenger – Title bid all but over

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title are “minimal” after a 2-1 defeat at Bolton on Sunday.

The Gunners surrendered leads to draw against Liverpool and Tottenham over the last seven days and an even bigger setback at Bolton has rounded off a costly week.

Arsenal had to win at the Reebok to maintain any realistic hope of staying in the title race but defeat leaves them nine points adrift of Manchester United with four games left.

“We have to fight as much as we can until the last game,” Wenger said. “But, of course, our chances are minimal now.”

Daniel Sturridge gave Bolton a deserved lead in the 38th minute before Robin van Persie equalised three minutes into the second half.

But the Gunners spurned several chances to go in front before allowing sub Tamir Cohen to head home a 90th-minute winner, with both Bolton goals coming from corners.

Hard to swallow

“It’s hard to lose a game like that, when you look at the way we conceded the goals,” Wenger said. “Over the week, it’s hard to swallow.

“But we gave everything, our attitude was fantastic.

“We were 1-0 down then had chances to win it but we didn’t take them. The players did fight very hard and they’re very disappointed.”

Just like last season, Arsenal’s title bid has faltered after claiming just one win in April.

Wenger’s players have been criticised for not showing enough mental strength when the going gets tough but the French boss defended his players and took responsibility for what is set to be a sixth season without silverware for the Gunners.

“I don’t compare it to last season,” he said. “I feel we were much closer this year.

“I just feel this week we could have taken nine points and we’ve taken two. That is a massive difference.

“We have to look at some things that happened during the week and, of course, we have to rectify them.

Opportunity wasted

“I feel the players have had an outstanding attitude this season,” Wenger added. “They are not to blame. If somebody is to blame, it’s me. I pick the team.

“It’s very unsatisfactory because it’s one of the easiest run-ins we’ve had for a long time and we didn’t take our chances many times. That’s frustrating because you feel the potential is there but you have to take your chances.

“We still lack maturity, experience and calm in important situations.

“The way we have dropped points makes it even more frustrating but we have to focus on our next game and put this behind us.”