Wenger blames defenders for Carling Cup semi-final defeat

London - Arsene Wenger has criticized his defenders after Arsenal suffered Carling Cup humiliation at the hands of Ipswich in a first leg semi-final match.

Wenger said: "We were below our usual level in every department. We were not sharp, not creative. We rely a lot on our crisp passing but every pass was a problem. We looked quite in control in the first half."  

"Yet the longer the game went on, we looked more vulnerable defensively and I'll put that down to fatigue. We have played so many games. But it would be unfair to put the blame only on the back four," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Wenger will now step up his efforts to sign another centre-half during the transfer window, with West Ham's defender Matthew Upson top of his wanted list.

"I am disappointed with this result and so are the players. We showed you can have 70 per cent of the ball and still lose," he said.

The second leg of the semi-final will be played at the Emirates, which is fortnight away.

Wenger said his team is still on course to win their first trophy since 2005 in the final on February 27 against West Ham or Birmingham.

He said: "The good thing is we play at home now and can make amends. Ipswich fought for their win and we have to congratulate them. But I still feel confident we will go through." (ANI)