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Wenger goes back to blaming youth for Arsenal loss

LONDON — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has resurrected the age-old excuse of blaming his side’s youth for poor results after losing 2-0 to Chelsea on Sunday, just three days before the Gunners face a resurgent Liverpool.

Wenger, whose only activity in the transfer window was to re-sign 35-year-old Sol Campbell, said the average age of both squads was a factor in the result.

He said Chelsea is “more experienced. They’re 29. We’re 23.”

Before Arsenal lost 3-1 to Manchester United last week, Wenger had called his team a “different animal,” suggesting Arsenal was now experienced enough to cope with big games in the title race.

Arsenal, whose title campaign has been a roller-coaster ride in recent months, has now dropped nine points behind Premier League leader Chelsea.

Liverpool travels to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in fourth place after beating Everton and closing the gap on Arsenal to five points.

“I feel we’re not in the best of positions,” Wenger said of the title race. “But we will not give up. It’s a bit unfortunate in the same period to play Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool on the trot.

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