Arsenal face 'moment of truth', says Wenger

THE next 12 days could make or break Arsenal's season, manager Arsene Wenger said.

Arsenal, sixth in the table and 13 points behind leader Manchester United, plays London rival Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League as well travelling to Portugal to face Porto in the Champions League in that time.

"The period that comes up now for us is the moment of truth," Wenger said on Tuesday.

"We must not hide. There is a big obstacle in front of the players but I feel they are ready to jump it. If they are not, we have no chance to do it. They will try, I am confident."

Arsenal has played some entertaining football this season but inconsistency has left the Londoners well adrift of United and champion Chelsea, which is three points behind the leader.

Wenger also said he was disappointed that striker Thierry Henry had not picked up the European Footballer of the Year award.

Arsenal captain Henry finished third behind Real Madrid's Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was second.

"It is a mistake," Wenger said. "It shows that the people who vote look only at the World Cup ... They make their decision on that."

Wenger also said he was disappointed that striker Thierry Henry had not picked up the European Footballer of the Year award.

Arsenal captain Henry finished third behind Real Madrid's Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was second.

"It is a mistake," Wenger said. "It shows that the people who vote look only at the World Cup ... They make their decision on that."

[ Source : newsnow.co.uk ]