Wenger's future is unclear

Arsenal manager feels heat after 2-0 cup defeat by Sunderland

SUNDERLAND, England - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remained defiant despite facing further questions about his future in the wake of thei team's 2-0 defeat at Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The club is now heading towards its seventh season without a trophy, but Wenger told his critics: "We will stay united, fight and focus on the next game. It is important for us to show strength and resilience."

The only problem is that the next game is against neighbor, Tottenham Hotspur, and another defeat would provide further ammunition for the Gunners' supporters who are increasingly unhappy about their team's performances and results.

While Wenger accepts its fans have a right to their opinions, he was less impressed by the verdict of Roy Keane, a former Sunderland manager, who described the current Arsenal team as the worst he had seen.

"I think it's a very harsh judgment," said Wenger, who was already under fire after the midweek 4-0 Champions League rout at the hands of AC Milan.

There was plenty in this cup exit to fuel the anger of Arsenal fans.

Sunderland may have relied on a deflected shot from Kieran Richardson and an own goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to claim its place in the quarterfinals, but it was a thoroughly deserved success.

Sunderland survived an early claim for a penalty to become the more committed and incisive team, although even its manager Martin O'Neill admitted it was aided by the fact that Arsenal had played a Champions League game in midweek.

Wenger also pointed towards its defeat at AC Milan as a factor.

"I felt it was a committed performance and the players gave absolutely everything that was left in their legs," said the Frenchman.

"It has been very difficult. We have played three successive away games in a week on three very difficult pitches, so I believe we have been very unfortunate.

"I felt we were a bit unlucky. It was a 100 percent performance from us and their first shot was a goal. Then we had to chase the game, take a gamble and they caught us on the break for the second goal.

"We had a lot of possession, but didn't create a lot of because of some fantastic defending by Sunderland."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/20/2012 page23)