Wenger ‘very sad’ as Arsenal fail to qualify for Champions League

Arsene Wenger says it is ‘very sad’ that Arsenal missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League.

The Gunners beat Everton 3-1 on the final day and ended the season in fifth on 75 points – one place and one point behind Liverpool.

It is the first time in 20 years that Arsenal have failed to qualify for the Champions League and they will instead have to take part in the Europa League.

When asked what it was like to miss out on a place in Europe’s top competition, Wenger said: “I don’t know yet because we have not started the Champions League yet, but it’s very sad.

Picture: Getty

“For 20 years we were in it and it’s the first year that we will not be in it. It’s very strange because for 75 points, we are only one point short.

“Of course you can look everywhere for where we dropped these points, but since January it’s been a very difficult environment for different reasons.

“Some you know about, and that’s very difficult for a group of players to cope with that. There are some other reasons that we will talk about another day.

“Psychologically, the environment for this group of players was absolutely horrendous and I’m very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season.”

Arsenal can still end the season on a high if they beat Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final.