Wenger pleased despite the lack of a goal

Last updated : 20 April 2005 By Chris Parry
Pires hit the bar in the third minute and side-footed another chance wide not long after that - They were our two best chances of the game.

Wenger said:

"They had a few good chances, they didn't want to lose and in the second half they were more cautious. We played well as a unit. What was important was to score first and let them come out from defence. That's where I had regrets. I cannot fault my team, we had a lot of possession and tried but they defended well.

"It was difficult to get in behind them, we could only play on the floor through them or use the wings. They attack as well but tonight they weren't in the position where they had to come out."

He went on to congratulate Chelsea for their achievements this season:

"Chelsea will be worthy champions because they have been remarkably consistent. That's the most difficult thing to do in top sport. We have to congratulate them for what they have achieved. They will be champions. The fact they didn't lose here tonight means they will be champions - unless somebody puts a bomb here!"

"It will take a huge accident for them not to be champions. We want to win every game but we will not be champions this year. We knew that when we came here but we have our pride and want to finish as close as we can to Chelsea."