Wenger concedes his team's title challenge is over

After only seven matches this season, Arsenal manager Wenger believes his team's title challenge is over following 1-2 loss to Tottenham -- their fourth defeat

After only seven matches this season, Arsenal manager Wenger believes his team's title challenge is over following 1-2 loss to Tottenhamu00a0-- their fourth defeatu00a0

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal cannot be regarded as title contenders after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester United following their 2-1 defeat at north London rivals Tottenham.


Troubled times: Arsenal players look dejected after losing to Tottenham.
Pic/Getty Images

Wenger endured another frustrating day as his side crashed to their fourth loss in seven league games at White Hart Lane. The Gunners' disappointment was compounded by a potentially serious injury to Bacary Sagna who was taken to hospital with an ankle problem that could keep him out for several weeks.


Arsene Wenger

Arsenal's dismal start to the season mean they sit just two points above the bottom three and Wenger accepts it is unrealistic to consider his side to be likely challengers for the championship while they are in their current plight.

"I think at the moment we have to set realistic targets like to say today we want to get in the Champions League positions," Wenger said.

"At the moment we are 12 points behind Man United and Man City, it's not realistic to say today we will win the league. We have to fight to come back into a better position, that is the reality."

Tottenham full back Kyle Walker secured his side's victory with a 73rd minute goal after Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey cancelled out Rafael van der Vaart's first half opening goal.

Wenger was clearly frustrated by the outcome and was involved in a confrontation with Clive Allen, one of the Tottenham coaching staff, after the final whistle. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: "Arsene shook hands with me. I think Clive went to shake hands with him and he missed Cliveu00a0-- he didn't see him."

Wenger said: "I shook the hand of the manager and the assistant manager. How many people do I have to shake hands with? Is there a prescription? There were no words exchanged."