Wenger: We Lacked Something But Can Close Gap On Liverpool

Arsene Wenger speaks after Middlesbrough clash.

Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor nodded home in the 16th minute to give Arsenal a first-half lead, but the Gunners could only hold onto the lead for twelve minutes as Sanli Tuncay sent in a well-weighted cross for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to level the score.

The draw meant Arsenal dropped two further points in the league in a game that they perhaps should have won, but a failure to convert their chances, coupled with a lack of urgency, ultimately led to an unfavourable result.

Nevertheless, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still believes the title race is "wide open," though he is also quoted by the club's official website as saying that his side "lacked something."

"We tried, I do believe that," Wenger said after the match.

"In the end we lacked something, we couldn’t take our chances and I must admit I expect ‘Boro to collapse a bit more than they did in the final part. They didn’t give in, even with tired legs and that is credit to them.

"You want always to get more but I feel my team needs more encouragement because they don’t get it anywhere and that is why I want to focus on the next game."

Regarding the race for the Premier League crown, the Frenchman added: "The league is wide open but we are in a position that every point we drop we are asked about it.

"I understand that, but champions are people who never stop and we can show that belief to keep going. We can do that in the next game.

"We must believe that the next game is one to reduce the distance between us and Liverpool."

"We have a better defensive balance," Wenger added, concerning improvements in his side.

"We just lack that extra thing that comes with confidence.

"This is a young team that is under a lot of pressure at the moment and that is why it is important to keep belief."

With Liverpool only managing a point against Hull City, Arsenal have not lost any ground on the league leaders, as Chelsea are yet to play.

Aston Villa have leapfrogged the Gunners though to fourth place, as they beat Bolton Wanderers by four goals to two.