Wenger happy with renewed sharpness

Last updated : 06 February 2005 By Chris Parry
He said after the game:

"We watched the video again of the Manchester United game and we felt we had shot ourselves a little bit in the foot. We wanted a big response and we gave it today. We created plenty of chances and played the type of football we wanted to play.

"We scored some great goals as well as missing some other great chances but today was a big mental test for us and we came through it. When you are 3-0 up at half-time it is always psychologically difficult to keep that sharpness you had before, but overall we were quite solid defensively and it was a deserved win. I felt the first half was one of their best performances of the season and that's why I am very pleased.

"But this team does have character and ambition. I do feel the title is lost but we want to finish as close as we can. We have our pride and you want to do as well as you can and also qualify for the Champions League."

"I have watched many games from this season and last season and I feel going forward we are better this year. We have scored 58 goals in the league compared to 50 at the same stage last season but we have not been defensively as solid and has cost us a great deal."