Football News : Wenger: We're too far behind Man City now

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger conceded his side's title hopes could be over after
their narrow defeat at Manchester City.

PA PhotosIt was a frustrating afternoon for Arsene Wenger as Roberto Mancini's men emerged triumphant

• Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal


• Jolly: City end Gunners' title chances

• Mancini happy with response

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by the Premier League leaders after David Silva struck in the second half of a pulsating encounter at the Etihad Stadium. Despite a recent charge up the table with seven wins from eight, the result
left the Londoners 12 points behind City after 16 games.

Wenger said: ''Unfortunately it's a game we couldn't afford to lose because it
puts us too much [behind City]. If we had won the game it would have put us six points behind and with our full-backs coming back, and (Jack) Wilshere and (Abou) Diaby, we would have a
better squad in the second half of the season.

''It will be difficult to close the gap on City, but we will try. This is a game we couldn't afford to lose and that's why it's difficult to take. We will continue to fight and there are a lot of positives. The team has made a lot of progress since August and the team can be proud of it.''

Despite City's chances, Robin van Persie had a strike ruled out for offside and Arsenal were also
denied a penalty when the ball struck Micah Richards' arm.

Wenger said: ''It was a game where it could have gone both ways. I felt we were a bit unlucky and their keeper had a good game. I did feel at half-time we could win the game if we stayed stable at the
back, but we lacked a bit of accuracy in our final ball.

''In the final third as well we had a few opportunities where we didn't pass
the ball well.''

Wenger added that Johan Djourou, who left the game early in the second half
with a groin injury, could be out for three weeks.