Post by tajiritarantula on Oct 1, 2005 4:41:59 GMT -5
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has slammed British bookmakers for their decision to pay out punters who have backed Chelsea to defend its Premiership title after seven games.
While the Blues have already opened up an 11-point gap on the Gunners and sit 10 points clear of Manchester United having played an extra game, Wenger believes the move is a mistake.
Two bookmaking outfits, Paddy Power – an Arsenal sponsor – and BetFred, have already paid out dividends to punters who backed Chelsea, but Wenger said the decision will only spur the Gunners on in the title race.
"If you look at the table, Chelsea have a big advantage, but I'm not one of those who thinks the championship is over. Those bookmakers are taking a big risk," Wenger told AFP.
"Last time they paid out (against us), we won the title, so that's a good sign."
That situation occurred in 1998, when Arsenal came from behind to overhaul Manchester United in the closing straight, although the club was similarly overtaken by United in 2003.
"There's only one way of thinking at the moment - and everybody goes down that route," Wenger added.
"But football is more surprising than that. What looks obvious on September 29 can be completely different in November. We've seen it before. It was like that for us."
The Gunners mentor also pointed out that the rare win in Europe over Ajax midweek will give his side added confidence, particularly since the three points were earned without injured stars Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Gilberto.
"I was very happy with the teamwork, the spirit in the squad and the belief we showed in Amsterdam," said Wenger.
"We scored two goals way from home in the Champions League and we didn't always do that with everybody here. Of course, I would always want Thierry Henry in the team."
"But the fact that we showed we can win without him will make us stronger when he comes back."
While the Blues have already opened up an 11-point gap on the Gunners and sit 10 points clear of Manchester United having played an extra game, Wenger believes the move is a mistake.
Two bookmaking outfits, Paddy Power – an Arsenal sponsor – and BetFred, have already paid out dividends to punters who backed Chelsea, but Wenger said the decision will only spur the Gunners on in the title race.
"If you look at the table, Chelsea have a big advantage, but I'm not one of those who thinks the championship is over. Those bookmakers are taking a big risk," Wenger told AFP.
"Last time they paid out (against us), we won the title, so that's a good sign."
That situation occurred in 1998, when Arsenal came from behind to overhaul Manchester United in the closing straight, although the club was similarly overtaken by United in 2003.
"There's only one way of thinking at the moment - and everybody goes down that route," Wenger added.
"But football is more surprising than that. What looks obvious on September 29 can be completely different in November. We've seen it before. It was like that for us."
The Gunners mentor also pointed out that the rare win in Europe over Ajax midweek will give his side added confidence, particularly since the three points were earned without injured stars Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Gilberto.
"I was very happy with the teamwork, the spirit in the squad and the belief we showed in Amsterdam," said Wenger.
"We scored two goals way from home in the Champions League and we didn't always do that with everybody here. Of course, I would always want Thierry Henry in the team."
"But the fact that we showed we can win without him will make us stronger when he comes back."