Wenger ‘not in the mood’ to discuss Arsenal future after Palace defeat

Asked by Sky Sports about his future at the club, the Frenchman said: "I face it in every press conference at the moment but tonight I'm not in the mood to speak about it.”

Despite the continued pressure on the long-term manager at the Emirates Stadium, he said he was completely focused on the job.

He added: “At the moment I pay more respect to the fact we had a disappointing result. What counts is how we perform on the pitch, the players and myself and I feel everyone is focused in the club to do it."

Nonetheless it was a weak display by the North Londoners and though Wenger told Sky Sports his team created “dangerous situations” during the 3-0 defeat by league strugglers Palace, he admitted they were defensively exposed.

"We lost too many duels and we paid for that,” he told the BBC, adding, “There is no obvious reason why. We prepared and everyone prepared well. It's difficult to explain just after the game.”

"I don't think my players didn't want it, but we lost duels in decisive moments and that's how games are decided at this level.

"I understand our fans are disappointed and we all are deeply tonight. It's very worrying and disappointing the way we lost the game. Palace were sharp, they beat Chelsea the other day, and that shows they have quality.”

With Arsenal now seven points shy of fourth-placed Manchester City, Wenger faces the prospect of missing out on a coveted top four finish for the first time in his 21-year career with the club.

"We are in a difficult position,” he admitted after the match. “The game tonight doesn't help.”

Arsenal next face Middlesbrough on April 17.