Arsene Wenger concedes Premier League title after defeat at Manchester City leaves Arsenal 12 points adrift

Arsene Wenger conceded that Arsenal’s title hopes were over for another season after admitting that the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City was a game “we could not afford to lose”.

Arsene Wenger concedes Premier League title after defeat at Manchester City leaves Arsenal 12 points adrift
Game up: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side are out of the Premier League title race Credit: Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal trail Roberto Mancini’s league leaders by 12 points after David Silva’s second-half goal secured victory for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

And although Arsenal created chances to claim a point from the game during a vibrant performance, the manager admitted that City’s Premier League lead was now too big.

“It is a game we could not afford to lose, which is why defeat is difficult to take,” Wenger said.

“Had we won the game the gap would have been six points and we have players coming back such as Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby.

“At the moment we are too far behind and it will be difficult to close the gap on City now, but we will try.

"There are lots of positives; the team has done well since August.

“The progress is encouraging, but we need encouragement and points.

"Today we only got encouragement,” added Wenger, who ruled out a January move for Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

But for a series of important saves from goalkeeper Joe Hart, Arsenal could have ended City’s 100 per cent unbeaten record at the Etihad Stadium this season.

Wenger added: “It was a game which could have gone both ways. It was very intense.

“We were a bit unlucky. Their keeper had a good game, but we lacked accuracy in the final third.

"At the end we played with four strikers and we had the chances to score.

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that defender Johan Djourou would miss the festive fixtures after injuring his groin against City.