Wenger takes blames for Arsenal shortcomings

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has shouldered the blame for the way his team's Premier League title challenge has collapsed.

A 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers Sunday left their hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads as the London side trail leaders Manchester United by nine points with four games to go.

"If somebody is to blame, it's me. I pick the team. I choose the players," Wenger told reporters.

"I feel the players had an outstanding attitude this season. They are not to blame.

"The chances are very minimal now, that is for sure, but we have to continue to fight," he added.

Pictures of Wenger crouching on the touchline with his head in his hands dominated the British newspapers Monday after the last-minute defeat in Bolton.

Arsenal have been leapfrogged by resurgent champions Chelsea and sit third in the table. They could take points from United when Alex Ferguson's side heading to the Emirates stadium on Sunday but it is unlikely to save their season.

Two months ago Arsenal were chasing four trophies but since their League Cup final defeat by Birmingham City on February 27, they have been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and won only one of their last seven league games.

"It is very frustrating because we should have come home this week with nine points and we came back with two," said Wenger.

"It's a bit the story of our season.

"It's very unsatisfactory because it's one of the easiest run-ins we've had for a long time and we didn't take our chances many times.

"We still lack something that is called maturity, experience and calm in important situations," he added.

Arsenal's wait to claim a first trophy since 2005 is set to continue as they have 64 points from 34 matches with United heading towards a record 19th title on 73 points.

Chelsea, who visit Old Trafford on May 8, are second on 67.