Wenger: I am completely happy with our performance

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
07 Feb	4:00 PM	P	Chelsea (A)	0	2	Lost

Manager Arsène Wenger has insisted that his team were the better side against Chelsea today, despite seeing them succumb to a 2-0 defeat.

Wenger admitted that he was happy with the performance put in by his side, praising their commitment and spirit, even though it wasn't enough to take something away from Stamford Bridge.

Two goals from Didier Drogba was enough to see off an Arsenal team that looked better on paper, having had more possession, more shots on goal, but simply couldn't score.

Wenger said: "I am completely happy with our performance and the spirit we have shown.

"For me, as much as we didn't turn up against Manchester United, today we had the expected performance. We were still a bit uncertain at the start of the game.

"When you went into it we were completely dominant. That's how I explain that we conceded the first corner.

"Incidentally I would like to check if before the corner it was a free-kick for Chelsea, I would like to see that."

The Frenchman conceded that Chelsea were the better team on the day itself, and the Blues' maturity and experience helped decide the key moments in the match today.

Wenger explained: "I always thought we would come back, I always had that feeling today. But you have to give them credit, they defended very well, they are very experienced at the back.

"They make the foul at the right time when they are caught on the counter-attack. The little push with the shirt, it is not enough to get a yellow card.

"They have a lot of tricks of a very experienced team and they do that very well. Overall we tried very hard today and the team gave absolutely everything.

"They are more experienced. Their average age is 29, ours is 23.

"Sometimes when you lose you have to acknowledge that with your team.

"You have to congratulate Chelsea. We didn't get a demonstration of football but they were efficient and, at the end of the day, that is what has made the difference.

"I believe the first goal contributed highly to our defeat and that is where we were guilty today. Apart from that we had a great spirit and a great attitude.

"We couldn't come back to 2-1 and couldn't get them wobbling. They defended very well and on one or two occasions I believe we were a little bit unlucky with one or two decisions from the referee.

"We had mountains of possession and couldn't transform it into goals. As long as you don't come back to 2-1 it is difficult.

"Today I give credit to Chelsea for their defending. They had always the guy who came back in the box. They didn't make silly mistakes.

"They have fantastic defenders and I believe many times they were out of position and managed to get back, especially one situation with Nasri in the second half and another with Bendtner."

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