Arsenal's title dream is over: Arsene Wenger confirms top four is his new goal

ARSENE WENGER admits he has almost given up on the Premier League title and his attention is now on securing Champions League football.

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal v PalaceGETTY

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are not thinking of the title any more

 to stay fourth in the table, behind third-place Manchester City on goal difference.

It leaves them 13 points off league leaders Leicester with just five games remaining.

and West Ham, meanwhile, are closing in on fourth place and Wenger admits the job now is to secure that spot.

took the lead through Alexis Sanchez’s header here at the Emirates but Yannick Bolasie hit back with nine minutes left.

“I’m very, very disappointing,” Wenger said. “It’s not pleasant.

“We didn’t make enough of the ball, lacked accuracy in our final ball and didn’t play with enough freedom or flow.

“We were caught by a unique shot on goal by Crystal Palace. They defended deep and hit us on the break. It’s very frustrating.”

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Palace boss Alan Pardew, meanwhile, was all praise for his side after they .

“(Arsenal) are always pushing for a win and you have to admire that,” Pardew said.

“They commit their fullbacks high and wide and win a lot of games in the last moments. 

“I always say to teams who come here that if you can stay in the game and make it tight then you’ll get opportunities.

“They over commit at times and I admire that. That’s not a criticism of the manager or the game plan, it’s something to be admired.”

The result extends Palace’s unbeaten run to four games heading into Wednesday’s trip to Manchester United before an FA Cup semi-final with Watford next Sunday.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem at Old Trafford,” Pardew said.

“You can see there’s more energy in the team, a defensive focus. They’re a great group to manage. I really like managing the team, they’re so honest and it was an honest performance today.”

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