Wenger takes 'full responsibility' for embarrassing 6-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge

By Adam Crafton

PUBLISHED: 10:49 EST, 22 March 2014 | UPDATED: 11:03 EST, 22 March 2014

Arsene Wenger has described today as 'one of the worst' of his career after he took full responsibility for Arsenal's humiliating 6-0 defeat away to Chelsea.

In Wenger's 1000th match in charge of the club, Arsenal produced an appalling performance to suffer the club's joint heaviest defeat of his reign, with only the 8-2 defeat by Manchester United in 2012 matching the six goal margin inflicted by Jose Mourinho's side on Saturday lunchtime.

'This defeat is my fault, I take full responsibility for it,' Wenger said, in an interview with the BBC, 'I don' t think there's too much need to talk about the mistakes we made. We got a good hiding today.'

To blame? Arsene Wenger has taken full responsibility for the humiliating defeat at Stamford Bridge

To blame? Arsene Wenger has taken full responsibility for the humiliating defeat at Stamford Bridge

Poor: Arsenal were desperately poor in the 6-0 loss to title rivals Chelsea

Poor: Arsenal were desperately poor in the 6-0 loss to title rivals Chelsea

Brilliant: Chelsea were the better team from start to finish

Brilliant: Chelsea were the better team from start to finish

'Yes, of course it's one of the worst days [in my career]. It's over after 20 minutes and it's a long game after that. You don't prepare all week to experience that kind of experience.'

'It's how we respond now on Tuesday night [against Swansea] and the best way is not to explain too much the mistakes.'

Wenger's side were 2-0 down within just seven minutes after goals from Samuel Eto'o and Andre Schurrle before the situation took a dramatic turn for the worse when Kieran Gibbs was sent off in the 17th minute in controversial circumstances.

Referee Andre Marriner believed that the left-back had handled to block Eden Hazard's effort on goal but it was in fact Gibbs' team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who was the guilty party. The England midfielder even admitted to Marriner that it was himself who should have been penalised, saying: 'Ref, it was me!', but the official remained unflinching in his conviction, ordering the defender from the field.

Furious: Wenger was celebrating his 1,000th match as Arsenal manager

Furious: Wenger was celebrating his 1,000th match as Arsenal manager

Disbelief: Kieran Gibbs was sent off mistakenly by referee Andre Marriner - it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who handled

Disbelief: Kieran Gibbs was sent off mistakenly by referee Andre Marriner - it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who handled

Poor decision: Wenger thinks Marriner did not see the incident

Poor decision: Wenger thinks Marriner did not see the incident

Wenger said: 'I believe it was handball but the referee hasn't seen it. The ball went out and I think it's Chamberlain who touched the ball. I don't know who gave indication to the referee that it was handball but he has certainly not seen it. Of course. it's a huge disappointment today but we want to win the next game now.'

Jose Mourinho believed that the referee was correct in spotting the offence but urged the authorities to bring in technology to aid the officials in their decision making, with the Chelsea boss reiterating his desire for the 4th official to be granted access to video replays.

'The sending off is big ammunition for people like me who think one little screen can help,' Mourinho said. 'The penalty is a penalty, we know there is red card but it would nice for the referee and players to have a little screen could say: Chamberlain, not Gibbs.'

Buffer: The victory extended Chelsea's lead over Arsenal to seven points - though the Gunners have a game in hand

Buffer: The victory extended Chelsea's lead over Arsenal to seven points - though the Gunners have a game in hand

Meanwhile, Mourinho, who despite his repeated denials finally conceded his side's title chances have risen to 'just a little bit', also praised his side's blistering start to the game.

'We pressed very high, we started very well. Ten amazing minutes. We came to kill and in ten minutes, we destroyed. After that? Easy.'

 

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We just didn't have the team for the job. Too many players missing due to injury or being loaned out for experience. When you looked at the bench - what could be brought on? It's a shame - a fully fit squad may have had a chance but not what was available on the day. I know I am going to be criticized for this but, why take off an effective midfielder / striker to replace a defender. It would have been a bit of tracking back but a deep midfield player could have covered and still pushed forward. On the day the better team one - though I hate to admit.

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Return of the Egg aka Scotchy of Eggdom>>>Wenger is criticized by certain Gooners and your most hated rival, Chelsea and you are NOWHERE to help out your beloved Wenger.......Borrow from Liverpool's slogan...YOU NEVER WALK ALONE!..So sad, you let Wenger walks ALONE all by HIMSELF!

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Was gutted for the guy really wanted him to get one over Maureen for all the bad comments he has been spewing out hope Palace will put the plastic club I there place next week you can never say never in this league

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BrookHouseHayesCFC, London, United Kingdom, This is a guy that uses about 5 different names so he can comment 50 times on every Arsenal article. I cannot imagine how sad your life must be. Do you troll the netball sites in the off season?

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Everythingisfalse, London, A bad line up and poor tactics. But it was the players fault. Not a single one appeared to be up for playing. I'm not even confident we can win the FA cup. Plus with the remaining games its going to be fifth place for us============ I have said this many times - missing out on CL is the BEST thing that could happen to us Arsenal is a business to Kroenke and as long as the CL money keeps coming in NOTHING will change. What is the point of us being in it anyway?? There is ZERO benefit for the fans, ONLY the board benefit financially. If we miss out, the money will dry up and Kroenke will probably sell up. I think Wenger will go after this anyway. Replacing him with somebody half decent will not be easy as they all want 200m to spend so we will prob get somebody desperate, a Hughes or Pulis for eg.

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Arsenal were 3-0 down before they played a second with ten men. They were thrashed, smashed and slaughtered. Wenger was out thought with minimal effort. This was an utter humiliation for Arsenal and their buffoon manager. There are no pathetic excuses to use. - Matt Hoople, Kings Road, London, 23/03/2014 01:45

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Arsenal were 3-0 down before they played a second with ten men. They were thrashed, smashed and slaughtered. Wenger was out thought with minimal effort. This was an utter humiliation for Arsenal and their buffoon manager. There are no pathetic excuses to use. - Matt Hoople, Kings Road, London, 23/03/2014 01:45

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Best lineup for Tuesday or vs Top 4. ..................................................................................Szchezny................................................................................................ ...................................Sagna...................Koscielny..................Mertasecker................Gibbs............................................ ..........................................................Ramsey/Flamini.........................Varmelean.............................................................. .........Ox Chamberlain / Walcott.................Rosicky / Wilshire / Carzola...................................Ozil................................ .....................................................................................Podolski.............................................................................................. Two CDM's !!! And No Giroud up front!, he has no pace and holds up play, nineteen century football.

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Yes its your fault you ignored Chelsea's counter attacking style, Mourinho sets his team up with steel, so his forward players have room to play. He pushed Luiz a CB up to CDM with Matic to break up opponents attacking play before it get to their equally solid line of defence. Whilst we have a similar adventurous CB in Vermaelen rotten on the bench. Arsene change our style to suit the opposition push Vermaelen up to CDM with Flamini / Arteta / Ramsey to break up play and give our forward room to play. Vermaelen in CDM will make up for Mertasecker's lack of pace and Mert will have no business getting caught out during counter attacks. When I saw our team sheet on Saturady, a couple of lightweight in the middle, I knew what was coming, We got found out!! by the other big 4's, hence the constant battering. Arsene change the lineup for Tuesday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Oh Arsene please stay for another 1000. Its not all your fault. Your transfer policy of young and cheap or old and free is great. Your wage structure attract top World Class players like Arshaven and Ozil (not panic buys) Our starts do not leave to win medals elsewhere. You deserve those yearly wage rises, just continue to put up the season ticket prices to cover it. In you we trust your stubbornness and arrogance are just what we need. You balance the books as good as any Bank Manager and keep our old greedy board members very rich and happy, well done. I love the crafty way you rip off us loyal fans. The first 497 games were ok, can not remember exactly as so long ago but I am sure we won stuff, your last 503 pot less games, oh don't worry Arsene. I am also pleased your eyesight has not improved keep saying " I did not see it" every time we have someone sent off after all 101 off in 1000 is not al that bad. Come on Arsene, chins up look in the wallet and your bank balance.

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Errrr where exactly did I say 100 years ? Now who looks STUPID, stupid.

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Totally agree BigBlueBill. Arsenal will remain in a state of stagnation for as long as Wenger is still their manager. We need a fresh approach with a title orientated manager but without fan intervention this is not likely to happen as Wenger makes shed loads of money for the greedy board. Yesterday's match with Chelsea did not make Chelsea look overly good - it just made Arsenal look like a third rate league 2 side with no commitment, no sense of direction and no leadership. The fans demand action - Wenger out!

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