Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted that he is not worried
about the prospect of beginning 2008 trailing Manchester United in
the race for the English Premier League title.
The Gunners failed to reclaim top spot from United on Boxing Day
when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Portsmouth.
Now they must prepare for Saturday's trip to in-form Everton in
the knowledge that United, who dismantled Sunderland 4-0 and finish
the year at West Ham, have their destiny in their own hands.
But Wenger insisted: "Although a 0-0 draw is a disappointment it
is not too bad.
"We have lost one game since the beginning of the championship
so you will have problems to convince me we are in crisis.
"If we go six months again by just losing none then we will be
champions.
"The expectations are very high and when you do not get to the
game you want to play it is disappointing.
"If you ask me I prefer to be in front, but with one point
difference that is not that big a deal.
"I believe that if we just focus on our performances and get a
good result at Everton then everything is all right."
Wenger saw skipper William Gallas and midfielder Tomas Rosicky
squander late chances at Fratton Park but the home side had a great
opportunity themselves when Benjani Mwaruwari was put clear by
ex-Gunner Kanu.
The Zimbabwe international was unable to finish the move having
been held up by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia but Wenger was convinced
Pompey had been playing for a draw all along.
He said: "Portsmouth didn't play at all in the second half. They
didn't come out at all, they just defended. It was surprising to
see them just making the numbers with 10 at the back."
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp hit back however, claiming it was
unrealistic to expect teams to take on Arsenal in a cavalier
fashion.
He said: "I don't want to argue with Arsene, he's got his
opinion and I am a great fan of the way Arsenal play the game, they
are fantastic.
"But we are Portsmouth, let's not get carried away. What are we
supposed to be doing with Arsenal - ripping them to pieces?"
The game was also Pompey's fifth successive failure to score in
front of their own fans and followed a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool.
But Redknapp was convinced the players' good early-season form
should not be underestimated.
He said: "We went on a great run of 11 games unbeaten. I don't
think you will ever see Portsmouth win six away games on the spin
again in the Premier League. I just don't see that happening,
certainly not in my lifetime. It would be a miracle if it
does."
(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2007)