Arsene Wenger Comments on Arsenal Fans' Unrest and Alexis Sanchez's Attitude

Arsene Wenger is concerned that the intense pressure from Gunners supporters could have a negative effect on his players in the closing stages of the season.

The north London side came back from 2-1 down to earn a point against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday, but they dropped to eight points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City.

Wenger expressed his fears about Arsenal fans' expectations following 12 years without a league title ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round replay with Hull City on Tuesday, per Jeremy Wilson in the Telegraph:

"I prefer that the fans are happy but I’m more worried that it can get to the players' confidence level. I feel we have shown a great response as a team that we can deal with that. 

"You can feel sorry for yourself or respond straight away next game—that’s why I think the group is healthy and there’s a good mentality."

The French manager also commended Alexis Sanchez for his equaliser against Spurs—his first league goal since October—but indicated that the Chilean's attitude had not been good enough lately, per Wilson: "He had a strong match, a better attitude, a team attitude and looked always dangerous—there was room for him to score another goal."

Sanchez had previously caused some controversy by saying Arsenal lacked the "hunger" to be Premier League champions, per Directv Sports (via BBC Sport).

And back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Swansea City in the league before the Spurs game suggested there may be something to the winger's claim.

However, a point against Mauricio Pochettino's side was a good result in the end, especially after Francis Coquelin was sent off 10 minutes into the second half.

The Premier League title looks further out of reach now, though, for the Gunners, with Leicester still the front-runners, per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones:

Wenger could barely have asked for a better chance to win a fourth Premier League title than the current unpredictable campaign as perennial challengers Chelsea and United have barely been in the running this season.

Arsenal fans can legitimately feel aggrieved if their side end the season, yet again, without the league title, but Wenger is concerned the pressure to win could negatively impact his side. 

Harry Redknapp said on BT Sport that the Arsenal supporters were entitled to boo their side after the midweek Swansea defeat:

Wenger will hope that, after their battling performance against Spurs, there is a more positive response when they next turn out at the Emirates Stadium against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, a must-win game if Arsenal are to maintain their title challenge.