Arsene Wenger: 'Low crowd a price we must pay for lack of title challenge'

Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that the low attendance at Arsenal's Premier League home game with Stoke City is "the price we pay" for a poor season.

The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners over the Potters at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty.

There were many empty seats at the ground, however, despite the official attendance stating that 59,371 tickets were sold.

Wenger, whose side sit sixth in the Premier League table and are no longer in serious contention for the top four, admits that not fighting for the title has had an impact on the crowd.

"We know that before the game, and [the fans] know as well that we don't go for the championship," the Frenchman told Sky Sports News. "That's the price we have to pay for that."

Wenger also attempted to explain his side's struggles on the pitch, adding: "It's the fact that in the table, when you look, there's not a lot to win. Especially as well, we play before a big game, so the mind is maybe not completely there.

"And the fact that the players broke up [for internationals] and got back together. The weight of these ingredients, I don't know."

The Europa League remains Arsenal's only chance of sealing a trophy this season.