Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger slammed the Premier League's fixture
compilers and Wolves boss Mick McCarthy after his side drew at
Burnley.
The Gunners had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor after
Graham Alexander's penalty cancelled out Cesc Fabregas' early
strike.
The result was a setback to Arsenal's title hopes and came 24
hours after rivals Manchester United had cruised to a 3-0 win
against a below-strength Wolves.
Wenger was frustrated at having to face tougher opposition
and was also angered that this weekend's opponents, Hull, have not
played this week. Hull had originally been scheduled to face
Everton this week but the fixture was moved to November because of
the Merseyside club's European commitments.
Wenger said: "I think the Premier League has a basic promise
to organise the fixtures in a normal way.
"The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have
come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I
am!
"For sure, he has never played football, organising midweek
games in a week when you have a Europa League. "We have some teams
who do not play at all. We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at
home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week.
"It is also damaging for Burnley." On the subject of
McCarthy's team selection, the Frenchman was equally forthright.
Wenger said: "It is sad, but what can I do about that? I am
responsible for Arsenal. "We compete with Manchester United over 37
games instead of 38.
"I believe it is a problem for the international credibility
of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier
League problem."
In a further blow for the Gunners, Fabregas was forced off
with a hamstring injury before half-time and will definitely miss
the Hull clash.
Wenger was disappointed not to have followed up Sunday's win
at Liverpool with another. "I always wanted six points," he said.
"Really I expected more to drop two points at Liverpool than
here but I believe Burnley had a very good time tonight. "They did
not have one moment when they lost focus."
Burnley also have a say in the Wolves debate as they now
travel to Molineux to face a presumably well-rested side on Sunday,
but boss Owen Coyle was unwilling to criticise.
Coyle said: "If that is the motivation for Wolves, to
galvanise them, then so be it. "Mick McCarthy is an outstanding
manager and fantastic man, somebody I have a lot of time for.
"He has done a fantastic job at Wolves and does what he sees
fit for Wolverhampton. "They have not been found wanting under his
tenure so far. He has made that decision and has a squad of players
that are good enough to wear the Wolverhampton shirt.
"We have to make sure we are ready, come the game on Sunday,
to give our best."
Coyle was delighted with his side's performance tonight in a
compelling encounter in which both sides had numerous chances.
Burnley twice hit the woodwork and Steven Fletcher had a goal ruled
out for offside after Manuel Almunia missed a cross in the second
half.
Coyle said: "It was a very valauble point, no doubt. Both
sides will feel at different stages they could have taken all
three.
"The lads showed real character, dug in and got back into the
game. They really took the game to Arsenal.
"I do believe if they continue to perform at that level they
will earn points in this league. Our goal is to maintain our
Premier League status and we need performances like that to make
sure we do."
