Gunners pad their top-four cushion

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday complained that criticism of his team was misplaced following its 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion and said stay-away supporters were not necessarily protesting.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Arsenal returned to winning ways following successive draws, climbing above Manchester City and into third place in the Premier League.

With Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all out of the picture, this season represented a golden opportunity for Arsenal to end its 12-year title wait, but Wenger said it is unfair to single his side out for criticism.