Arsene Wenger: "It was important not to lose"

Arsene Wenger has admitted that his Arsenal players felt the pressure in their 2-2 draw with Manchester City, but was happy to avoid defeat.

The Gunners twice battled back from behind in Sunday's encounter at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of goals from Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi.

A point does little to ease Wenger's woes, with Arsenal now seven adrift of the top four with a game in hand to play, and the Frenchman claims that the recent flak he has received from supporters was clear to see against City.

"We were nervous and surprised by their start. I feared that we could start with the handbrake on because of the pressure we are under," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"We were not completely at our best because of the pressure but we showed mental strength and did not lie down. Mathematically a draw is not the best solution for both teams but it is a point which will help us.

"You could see that the players were down after it went to 2-1 but they gave everything to come back. The draw is the least we needed today. Psychologically it was important not to lose."

Arsenal, who have won just one of their last six Premier League games, return to action in midweek with a home match against West Ham United.