Arsenal goalscoring problems could be psychological, admits Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger admits his team are suffering from an over-anxiety in front of goal that has left Arsenal in a tough fight for even a fourth place finish in the Premier League.

There were jeers from many of the 60,000 fans at The Emirates at the final whistle as the goal drought was extended further during a 0-0 draw against Fulham.

It was their fourth consecutive scoreless draw in the Premier League. The Gunners have played six hours of football without finding the net since Robin Van Persie scored a 90th-minute equaliser at Everton on January 28.

"Maybe is is partly psychological," said Wenger. "We are getting in good positions but not taking the chances.

"Against Fulham, Samir Nasri could have taken his chances earlier.

"The players have a desire to do well and to make sure. But the more I speak about it, the bigger the problem becomes.

"We are under pressure to qualify for the Champions League next season but I don't want to speculate about fighting for fourth place. What I will say is that problems don't last for ever and at one stage we will score goals because of the quality of players we have."

Wenger believes the midweek 1-0 Champions League win over Roma took its toll.

"I felt we had tired legs," he added. "After a Champions League game, it is difficult to win. But we continue to fight."

In contrast, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was delighted with the determination and organisation shown by his team.

"It shows we have come of age as a club," said Hodgson. "You have to have quality in midfield when you come up against the players Arsenal have.

"But I would have been happier if we had taken one of our chances. For me, we didn't work Manuel Almunia enough in their goal. But I have to say it was a good point for us.

"We have got a draw and deserved it. We didn't get it through a siege mentality."

Wenger did not hide behind the absence of his strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Eduardo and key midfield men Francesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky.

"Our goalscoring record has been there for more than the last five games," he said.

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