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Wenger laments 'fragile' defence

03/12/2008

Arsene Wenger was left to rue several missed chances and signs of inexperience at the back as his young Arsenal side crashed out of the Carling Cup to Burnley.

The Championship side eased into the semi-finals of the competition with a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, courtesy of a brace from midfielder Kevin McDonald.

And Wenger blamed the defeat on his team's "fragile" defence and profligate strikers as another opportunity for silverware passed by the Gunners.

"We had six one-on-ones with the goalkeeper and didn't score, and we were a bit fragile at the back as well," he said afterwards.

Relatively experienced striker Nicklas Bendtner was arguably the worst culprit for missing chances as he spurned several decent openings in front of a frustrated away following from north London.

And Wenger admitted he could have few complaints with the scoreline because of his forwards' licentiousness.

"We had plenty of chances," he continued, "but if you don't score your one-on-ones you have to question your right to qualify.

"You have to praise their keeper and question the strikers."