Wenger fears meltdown

QUARTER-FINAL SECOND LEG Report: Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his side could end up winning nothing this season.

In the space of four days Arsenal have exited two cup competitions and seen their lead in the Premiership cut to only four points by Chelsea.

After crashing out of the Champions League to Chelsea on Tuesday, Wenger said: "Of course, it's possible that Arsenal will win nothing this season.

"We have a big weekend ahead and we must do well in the Liverpool game."

After playing fourth-place Liverpool at Highbury on Good Friday, Arsenal face Newcastle away 48 hours later.

And two weeks later Wenger's side, who have a game in hand over second-place Chelsea, face north London rivals Spurs at White Hart lane.

The Arsenal boss also admitted defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday was a factor in their Champions League exit to Chelsea.

We have the quality and the mental strength to bounce back Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"I think it played a part," he said.

"When you go on a long unbeaten run, the first defeat is a big blow because it is a long time since you had to deal with it.

"We still have the Premiership to go for and we have a good mental test now which starts on Friday."

Wenger felt Frank Lampard's equaliser was the turning point in the Champions League quarter-final after Jose Antonio Reyes had given Arsenal the lead.

"It was very disappointing because we had done the most difficult thing and played a great first half," he said.

"Their goal was a turning-point because we became nervous about conceding a second goal.

"We lost our team play and from then on, they looked comfortable, as if they had nothing to lose, and we had problems dealing with that."

Wenger now needs to lift his team to make sure that Arsenal maintain their grip on the Premiership title chase.

"We have a job to do and we can show that it's not just about winning, it's about how you recover when you are in a bad situation," he said.

"I am convinced we have the players to respond. We have the quality and the mental strength to bounce back."