Wenger says Arsenal title hopes dented

BEIJING, March 25 -- Manager Arsene Wenger said Arsenal's Premier League title chances had suffered a major blow after Sunday's 1-2 defeat by Chelsea in the London derby.

Arsenal slipped to third in the table and six points adrift of leader Manchester United after Chelsea came from a goal down to win with two strikes from Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

Asked about its impact on a title bid that was firmly on course just a month ago, Wenger said: "It's a big setback today for us.

"When you add the four games we drew, and to lose today, we have to get back to winning games before we dream of the title.

"I feel the spirit is fantastic in the team. Today the players will be very disappointed because they gave everything to win this game and we go home without a point.

"We have to show our strength. At the moment we are six points behind Man United and we have first to win our next game before we can speak about the title."

Wenger had no doubts about where his side, which has won only one of its last eight games, needs to improve.

"At the moment we have some defensive problems that we have to sort out because we gave away an easy goal at Middlesbrough and an easy goal against Aston Villa.

"We got caught when (Chelsea substitute Nicolas) Anelka came on with the long balls and physical battle - and I must say we were a bit unlucky because the first goal was offside."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was cautious over whether his side, now second and five points behind United, could go on and win the league for a third time in four seasons.

"I don't know, but we will do our best to," said the Israeli, who replaced Jose Mourinho last September.

The turning point came midway through the second half, when Arsenal lost defender and goalscorer Bacary Sagna to injury while leading 1-0 and Grant sent on Anelka and Juliano Belletti. Drogba's goals soon followed, confounding sceptics in the Stamford Bridge crowd.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)