Wenger laments dropped points

Manager Arsene Wenger accepted Arsenal had failed to keep the pressure on in the race for the Barclays Premier League after managing only a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at Emirates Stadium.

Kolo Toure's late header rescued a point for the Gunners, who saw Manchester United overtake them at the top of the table earlier in the day.

"We have dropped eight points in the last four games. When you are in a race with the opponents we have, that is a big disappointment - but we have to keep our spirit and focus," he said.

"Now we play Chelsea next, so it's very interesting. We will see at the end of the season what effect this has."

Wenger continued: "I don't know why we weren't creative enough.

"They defended very well and very deep, and had just one shot on target which they scored so that is frustrating.

"I don't think Chelsea or Manchester played better than us, but they didn't concede.

"I knew the second half would be our half, so it was important for us not to concede early, but we did."

However, the Arsenal boss maintained all is not yet lost, with crucial dates at Old Trafford and, next Saturday, at Stamford Bridge to come.

Wenger said: "I feel the spirit is there and the players are giving everything, but at the moment it's not working for us."