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Silvestre hits out at 'stupid' errors that cost Arsene dear
03.12.08
Mikael Silvestre has warned Arsenal's youngsters they must learn the lessons of last night's Carling Cup quarter-final defeat by Burnley and not repeat the "stupid inconsistency" that has undermined the Gunners' season.
Arsene Wenger's side lost 2-0 at Turf Moor after errors from Lukasz Fabianski and Mark Randall allowed Kevin McDonald to score twice.
And Silvestre, who was named captain in the absence of the entire team that beat Chelsea on Sunday, said: "You have got to learn.
"They should have won and a lack of concentration has cost us two goals. We had chances and it's a shame.
"It was a opportunity for them to express themselves [in the cup run].
"They did but we lost this game and you can see that it will hurt for a while.
"If we are not stupid, then we won't do the same again."
Manager Arsene Wenger was left cursing his luck after seeing his talented young side exit the competition.
"It was a game we should never have lost", Wenger said.
"We played quite well, we had six one to ones with the goalkeeper yet were still beaten 2-0.
"We were always chasing the game and that is difficult for a young team. We showed a lack of concentration at times."
Burnley boss Owen Coyle was full of praise for his side after clinching a semi-final place.
"People will talk about individual players but it was a team effort", Coyle said.
"We are trying to make the place a fortress and this is a real football environment.
"We knew we would have to be focused because of the quality Arsenal have. But I felt we deserved the victory on the balance of play.
"From start to finish the players did everything I asked of them.
"We try and play in the right manner by getting the ball down and passing it. Arsenal are the yardstick.
"But you must have that hunger if you are going to succeed and we have that in abundance."
Reader views (12)
We cant understand this man Wenger how think play Silvester instead of Toure is beyound.He has not contributed to the team since he came the defence is even weaker now with him there.I gues it was Wenger going for a cheap solution again.Until Wenger puts aside his pride and listens to what and act in the best interest of the team by getting in some real quality experienced players we would continue to struggle.plus we need to change our game sometimes
- Mavwe, Toronto, Canada
didn-t see the match, who won, arsenal?
- Jaberwokie3, switzerland
Maybe there were too many long words in the article Bruno for you, I dont know. The article is about Silvestre sayign what he did. Bendtner has not said anything. Silvestre opened his mouth and has made these comments when he should accept the responsibility as a captain of some of the faults liast night. These include him missing several chances and hoofing the ball over the goal.
- Dan, Mill Hill
Yes, the francophone contingent is alive and strong. Wenger should leave
- R, uk
Arsenal had a bit of luck on Sunday and it was Burnley's turn last night. Arsenal weren't bad, it's just that Burnley were stronger, sharper and took their chances better.
Give it a rest, Silvestre, you're free to concentrate on the treble.
- Gooner N1, London N1
Mikel needs to just shut up, Johan and Song would have done soooo much better. I hate the fact that we played Chelsea Sunday because Song would have played and Johan got hurt so that sucked. Mikel and Paul Rodgers (who is not a CB) was the weak link in the defence and Nick didn't have a good game. We should have went with Jay Simpson/Vela. The kids had no leadership, Mikel was just standing there like a fool.
- Dj, usa
What went wrong Wenger? stuck in traffic on the way to the ground? wind blowing the wrong way? not your or your team's fault, never is.
I just want you once to admit defeat to a superior side on the night. Another season without silverwear, how many is that? still the weekend we will see another English free team, carry on the good work, one award you will get is from Africa for helping the careers of so many of their players, your contribution to England's finest is very minimal.
- Terry, London
It is unfortunate that you are unable to differeniate between Silvestre and Bendtner Dan - perhaps give the glasses a polish eh ? As for Silvestre comments seems fair enough to me - "Hits Out" lol
- Bruno, Cumnock
As a Gunner of 20 years, I agree with the previous three posters: Silvestre had a mare himself last night and how on earth could he blame the concentration of the youngsters , while he himself went missing for the two goals is beyond me.
Another case of French arrogance at Arsenal...
- French Farce Gunner, Globe
Silvestre misse a handful of chances also so really 'pot, kettle and black' spring to mind. He is new to the club and the youngsters did perfectly well without him over the years! He has experience but is a Man Utd reject so he should really keep his mouth shut in his first season with us. If he was that great, then Man Utd wouldnt have palmed him off to a rival club for a worthless fee.
- Dan, Mill Hill
Silvestre is at fault in both goals and he must have a cheek to blame others. Wenger made yet another mistake by including him and to add insult to injury he made him captain.SILVESTRE IS A REJECT FROM Man Utd and because he is French, Wenger gave him a contract, and after a four months he made him Captain.WENGER WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??? Arsenal is not a charitable institute.
A.Messina
- A.Messina, Malta
Silvestre is as guilty as the boys he lashed at. The same boys played and secured convincing victories agaist tougher teams lead by Jurou and song, if they made such blunders its becos the other two were absent , and the one that replace them (Silvetre and Bedtner) are poor.
I have the notion that if the boys had played without the two senior team players they would have won.
- Mercy, Nigeria
