Wenger - We're back in race

Gunners boss delighted after late win

By Robin Hackett   Last updated: 30th March 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger - We're back in race

Wenger: Title ambition

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Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are now back in contention for the title after an incredible second-half comeback gave his 10-man side a 3-2 win at Bolton.

And the Arsenal boss has rejected suggestions that Abou Diaby's horror challenge on Gretar Steinsson can be compared to the Eduardo leg-break incident earlier this season.

Arsenal were 2-0 down with 10 men when the sides went in at half-time, and Bolton went close to adding a third on several occasions.

But William Gallas pulled one back on the hour before Robin van Persie levelled from the penalty spot shortly afterwards.

And The Gunners claimed yet another late, late victory when a 90th-minute Cesc Fabregas shot took two deflections before finding its way into the Bolton goal for 3-2.

"Well, because we didn't give up," Wenger told Sky Sports after the game. "It was a mental test: we were 2-0 down, 10 against 11 and half an hour to go.

"We knew as well that even 2-2 was not good enough and you could see that when we scored the second goal and took the ball quickly back.

"We wanted absolutely to win to stay in the race as only three points was good enough. I'm very proud of the team tonight.

"We will fight until the last second of this championship and it's a long way to go. We have 70 points - let's see how far we can go."

Red card

Diaby's high challenge on Steinsson and subsequent red card was one negative aspect of the game, and it appeared to be a similar challenge to the one that ended Eduardo's season against Birmingham.

But, while Wenger admits it was a definite sending off, he claims there was 'no comparison' with Taylor's tackle.

"It was not destined to hit. I think it was more a protective tackle, but it was a fraction high and we cannot complain about the red card.

"I feel there is no comparison as (Taylor's) was much higher.

"That's the rule now and when you're off the floor you have to accept that you can be sent off."