Wenger laments fixture list

Wolves' team selection irks Gunners boss

By Danny Wright   Last updated: 17th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am!

Arsene Wenger
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Arsene Wenger bemoaned the Premier League's fixture organisation after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Turf Moor.

Wenger's men were lucky to escape with a share of the spoils after Graham Alexander's penalty had earned Owen Coyle's side a point.

Cesc Fabregas had earlier put Arsenal ahead after eight minutes, but the Gunners could not get into their usual groove and they were unable to build on their lead.

Burnley even had a goal ruled out in the second half and Chris Eagles rattled the post, but the Arsenal boss was more concerned with the way his side had ended up playing a midweek fixture against the Clarets.

Wenger was unhappy with how his side will have faced three fixtures in a week, whereas their next opponents, Hull City, have played none.

"I think the Premier League has a basic promise to organise the fixtures in a normal way," Wenger said.

"The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am!

"For sure, he has never played football, organising midweek games in a week when you have a Europa League.

"We have some teams who do not play at all. We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week.

"It is also damaging for Burnley."

Credibility

The Arsenal manager also criticised Wolves boss Mick McCarthy after he fielded a weakened starting line-up in their defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday.

The Frenchman believes the 10 changes made by McCarthy made it easier for Sir Alex Ferguson's men to bag all three points, making it hard for the Londoners to keep up in the title race.

Arsenal could have gone within three points of United had they beaten Burnley, but they missed the opportunity.

Wenger added: "It is sad, but what can I do about that? I am responsible for Arsenal.

"We compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38. I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier League problem."

A disappointing night was completed by the early withdrawal of inspirational playmaker Cesc Fabregas, who enjoyed a superb start to the match before he was forced off with injury.

The captain picked up a hamstring problem and will miss the home clash against Hull at the weekend.

And Wenger admitted he did not expect to drop points against Burnley, but praised the application shown by Coyle's side.

"I always wanted six points," he said. "Really I expected more to drop two points at Liverpool than here but I believe Burnley had a very good time tonight.

"They did not have one moment when they lost focus."

Barclays Prem 2009/10 Win Outright: Arsenal 9/4

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