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Real Madrid 1 Vs 2 Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid Goal(s)
Ronaldo 14'
&
Atletico Madrid Goal(s)
D.Costa 35'
Miranda 98'
Real Madrid Goal(s)
Ronaldo 14'
&
Atletico Madrid Goal(s)
D.Costa 35'
Miranda 98'
Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico Madrid (AET): Rojiblancos ride luck to end derby drought in Copa cracker
Atletico Madrid has won the 2012-13 Copa del Rey after an enthralling 2-1 extra-time victory against Real Madrid in the final at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.
Miranda's goal in the 99th minute was enough for los Rojiblancos to clinch their 10th Copa del Rey crown, and in the process end their long 25-match winless run in the Madrid derby.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring just before the quarter-hour mark with a thumping header, but an outstanding combination between Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa saw the latter level the score after 35 minutes.
Los Blancos hit the woodwork three times in their search for a winner, which proved fruitless throughout regulation as the final moved into extra time - where Miranda nodded home to send the trophy to the red half of the Spanish capital.
But there were ugly scenes towards the end, as Ronaldo was sent off in the 114th minute for lashing out at Gabi, sparking a bench-clearing clash between both sets of players and staff.
Mourinho sent a clear message to Pepe by excluding the defender from his matchday squad despite Raphael Varane’s injury, instead turning to Raul Albiol to partner Sergio Ramos at the back.
Diego Simeone’s XI virtually picked itself, with Mario Suarez, recovered from a back problem, the main change, replacing Tiago in midfield.
It did not take the hosts long to strike as Ronaldo, in his 100th Bernabeu outing, powered his club into the lead with 14 minutes on the clock, rising above Diego Godin to head home with authority from Mesut Ozil's corner.
But the goal did little to spark the match into life, as both side’s defensive organization contributed to a rather cautious opening half hour, despite a torrent of noise raining down from the stands.
However, that script was thrown out the window 10 minutes before halftime, as out of nowhere, a magnificent counterattack from Atletico carved Madrid completely in two.
Falcao did brilliantly to shake off a pair of challenges near the halfway line and release Costa, who never broke stride, streaming past Ramos and Michael Essien and drilling into the bottom corner via the post.
The game was well and truly on, with the crowd thrown into a real frenzy after the goal. And Ozil nearly blew the roof off the Bernabeu three minutes before halftime, when his snap shot cannoned agonizingly off the woodwork.
The raucous atmosphere continued into the second half, and Atletico nearly stormed into the lead on the hour mark when Gabi’s searching pass was met on the volley by Filipe Luis, but he could only find the side netting.
But Madrid was down at the other end almost instantly, and was cursing its luck after Karim Benzema poked against the post from close range, before an outrageous block from Juanfran denied Ozil’s goalbound follow up.
Fortune continued to smile on the visitors, as six minutes later Ronaldo fooled the wall with a low free kick, only to see his attempt bounce off the base of the post.
Tempers began to flare as the referee was forced to dish out a series of yellow cards to both sets of players – with Ramos' booking particularly riling Mourinho, who disciplined by the officials for letting them know exactly what he thought.
But there was nothing separating the sides as time ticked away, and the final moved into an additional half hour for the second time in three seasons.
Mourinho wasted no time in using all three of his available subs, bringing Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Arbeloa and Angel Di Maria into the fray, with Benzema, Luka Modric and Fabio Coentrao departing.
But it was Atletico which nearly struck first in extra time, as Costa was released on goal, but failed to beat Diego Lopez with his initial shot and from the rebound.
Miranda would make no such mistake though, staying forward from a corner and rising highest to head in Koke's cross at the near post.
Thibaut Courtois then stuck out a leg to deny Higuain from point-blank range, and produced an even better save in the 109th minute, tipping away Ozil's far-post finish at full stretch.
But it just was not Madrid's night, as Ronaldo was shown red with six minutes remaining for a petulant reaction on Gabi, initiating a commotion between both teams, and effectively ending the home side's chances once and for all.
Atletico Madrid has won the 2012-13 Copa del Rey after an enthralling 2-1 extra-time victory against Real Madrid in the final at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.
Miranda's goal in the 99th minute was enough for los Rojiblancos to clinch their 10th Copa del Rey crown, and in the process end their long 25-match winless run in the Madrid derby.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring just before the quarter-hour mark with a thumping header, but an outstanding combination between Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa saw the latter level the score after 35 minutes.
Los Blancos hit the woodwork three times in their search for a winner, which proved fruitless throughout regulation as the final moved into extra time - where Miranda nodded home to send the trophy to the red half of the Spanish capital.
But there were ugly scenes towards the end, as Ronaldo was sent off in the 114th minute for lashing out at Gabi, sparking a bench-clearing clash between both sets of players and staff.
Mourinho sent a clear message to Pepe by excluding the defender from his matchday squad despite Raphael Varane’s injury, instead turning to Raul Albiol to partner Sergio Ramos at the back.
Diego Simeone’s XI virtually picked itself, with Mario Suarez, recovered from a back problem, the main change, replacing Tiago in midfield.
It did not take the hosts long to strike as Ronaldo, in his 100th Bernabeu outing, powered his club into the lead with 14 minutes on the clock, rising above Diego Godin to head home with authority from Mesut Ozil's corner.
But the goal did little to spark the match into life, as both side’s defensive organization contributed to a rather cautious opening half hour, despite a torrent of noise raining down from the stands.
However, that script was thrown out the window 10 minutes before halftime, as out of nowhere, a magnificent counterattack from Atletico carved Madrid completely in two.
Falcao did brilliantly to shake off a pair of challenges near the halfway line and release Costa, who never broke stride, streaming past Ramos and Michael Essien and drilling into the bottom corner via the post.
The game was well and truly on, with the crowd thrown into a real frenzy after the goal. And Ozil nearly blew the roof off the Bernabeu three minutes before halftime, when his snap shot cannoned agonizingly off the woodwork.
The raucous atmosphere continued into the second half, and Atletico nearly stormed into the lead on the hour mark when Gabi’s searching pass was met on the volley by Filipe Luis, but he could only find the side netting.
But Madrid was down at the other end almost instantly, and was cursing its luck after Karim Benzema poked against the post from close range, before an outrageous block from Juanfran denied Ozil’s goalbound follow up.
Fortune continued to smile on the visitors, as six minutes later Ronaldo fooled the wall with a low free kick, only to see his attempt bounce off the base of the post.
Tempers began to flare as the referee was forced to dish out a series of yellow cards to both sets of players – with Ramos' booking particularly riling Mourinho, who disciplined by the officials for letting them know exactly what he thought.
But there was nothing separating the sides as time ticked away, and the final moved into an additional half hour for the second time in three seasons.
Mourinho wasted no time in using all three of his available subs, bringing Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Arbeloa and Angel Di Maria into the fray, with Benzema, Luka Modric and Fabio Coentrao departing.
But it was Atletico which nearly struck first in extra time, as Costa was released on goal, but failed to beat Diego Lopez with his initial shot and from the rebound.
Miranda would make no such mistake though, staying forward from a corner and rising highest to head in Koke's cross at the near post.
Thibaut Courtois then stuck out a leg to deny Higuain from point-blank range, and produced an even better save in the 109th minute, tipping away Ozil's far-post finish at full stretch.
But it just was not Madrid's night, as Ronaldo was shown red with six minutes remaining for a petulant reaction on Gabi, initiating a commotion between both teams, and effectively ending the home side's chances once and for all.
Mourinho rues 'worst-ever season' following Copa defeat
The Portuguese did not hesitate to write off the campaign as the least successful of his reign in Spain but insisted Atletico Madrid was "lucky" to have triumphed.
Jose Mourinho has described the 2012-13 campaign as the "worst season of his career" following Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Joao Miranda's extra-time header compounded Madrid to defeat on home turf on Friday, and signaled the Mourinho's first campaign without a major trophy in over a decade - barring a Supercopa success over Barcelona back in August.
Speaking after the game, the 50-year-old admitted the season was a blot on his CV when placed in the context of his own high standards.
"This was the worst season of my career. For many coaches it would be a good season, but for me it is the worst," Mourinho told reporters. "I always showed up in the press room every time we drew or we lost. This year's campaign was a failure but my first two seasons were successful."
Mourinho's future has been shrouded in speculation for some weeks now as rumors of a return to the Premier League with Chelsea gather pace, but he insisted he has yet to discuss his future with president Florentino Perez.
"I have a contract that is valid for three more year," he said. "I still haven't talked to the president about my future."
Mourinho - who was sent to the stands midway through the second half at the Santiago Bernabeu - then claimed in his post-match assessment that Atletico was "lucky" to lift the trophy after his side hit the woodwork three times and was foiled by a number of stunning saves from Thibaut Courtois.
"I don't think Atletico deserve to be champions but they won the title. We had two clear chances on goal, we hit the post three times. This is why I think it is unfair," he added. "Atletico's keeper was fantastic but he was also lucky tonight."
The Portuguese did not hesitate to write off the campaign as the least successful of his reign in Spain but insisted Atletico Madrid was "lucky" to have triumphed.
Jose Mourinho has described the 2012-13 campaign as the "worst season of his career" following Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Joao Miranda's extra-time header compounded Madrid to defeat on home turf on Friday, and signaled the Mourinho's first campaign without a major trophy in over a decade - barring a Supercopa success over Barcelona back in August.
Speaking after the game, the 50-year-old admitted the season was a blot on his CV when placed in the context of his own high standards.
"This was the worst season of my career. For many coaches it would be a good season, but for me it is the worst," Mourinho told reporters. "I always showed up in the press room every time we drew or we lost. This year's campaign was a failure but my first two seasons were successful."
Mourinho's future has been shrouded in speculation for some weeks now as rumors of a return to the Premier League with Chelsea gather pace, but he insisted he has yet to discuss his future with president Florentino Perez.
"I have a contract that is valid for three more year," he said. "I still haven't talked to the president about my future."
Mourinho - who was sent to the stands midway through the second half at the Santiago Bernabeu - then claimed in his post-match assessment that Atletico was "lucky" to lift the trophy after his side hit the woodwork three times and was foiled by a number of stunning saves from Thibaut Courtois.
"I don't think Atletico deserve to be champions but they won the title. We had two clear chances on goal, we hit the post three times. This is why I think it is unfair," he added. "Atletico's keeper was fantastic but he was also lucky tonight."
Villas-Boas confident of keeping Bale
The Tottenham boss concedes he is unsure whether the 23-year-old is on the verge of signing a new deal with the club but insists they are determined to keep him Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has reiterated that the club are confident they can keep Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane this summer.
Bale has attracted the interest of a host of top European sides with his displays this season, with Real Madrid and Manchester United among his most pre-eminent suitors.
The Wales star, who has scooped the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards this term, has played an influential role in Tottenham's challenge for a top-four place having scored 20 Premier League goals this season, and his boss is confident he will remain at White Hart Lane this summer.
"I'm not sure [about whether Bale is close to signing a new deal], our interest is for the player to continue here and I've made that very clear," Villas-Boas told reporters. "Whatever is happening, the idea is for the player to be here next season.
"I have said this numerous times. We are pretty confident we will be able to keep him."
The Tottenham boss concedes he is unsure whether the 23-year-old is on the verge of signing a new deal with the club but insists they are determined to keep him Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has reiterated that the club are confident they can keep Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane this summer.
Bale has attracted the interest of a host of top European sides with his displays this season, with Real Madrid and Manchester United among his most pre-eminent suitors.
The Wales star, who has scooped the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards this term, has played an influential role in Tottenham's challenge for a top-four place having scored 20 Premier League goals this season, and his boss is confident he will remain at White Hart Lane this summer.
"I'm not sure [about whether Bale is close to signing a new deal], our interest is for the player to continue here and I've made that very clear," Villas-Boas told reporters. "Whatever is happening, the idea is for the player to be here next season.
"I have said this numerous times. We are pretty confident we will be able to keep him."
Heynckes: The whole world wants me
The outgoing coach reveals he has been approached by a number of clubs around the globe but insists he remains fully focused on a crucial end to the current campaign Jupp Heynckes has claimed that "the whole world" has contacted him over prolonging his managerial career once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer.The 68-year-old will step aside for Pep Guardiola after two years back at the helm of the newly-crowned Bundesliga champion but not without fulfilling one last league match against Borussia Monchengladbach and finals in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League.Yet Heynckes freely admits that he has been approached by a number of clubs following Bayern's announcement in January that he would be departing the Allianz Arena, but insists he will wait to consider his options."The whole world has contacted me and want to take me while I'm still under contract, but I'm just concentrating on the Champions League final and not on any negotiations," he told a press conference ahead of FCB's clash with Gladbach on Saturday.
"It was an honor to work here. It's still great fun."
The former Real Madrid and Schalke boss had been tipped to prolong his managerial career outside of Germany, but he suggested such a commitment would not be the wisest at the age of 68.
"When I was 10, 15 years younger, I might have thought of a very profound commitment abroad. But you must remember that I am no longer the youngest," Heynckes concluded.
The outgoing coach reveals he has been approached by a number of clubs around the globe but insists he remains fully focused on a crucial end to the current campaign Jupp Heynckes has claimed that "the whole world" has contacted him over prolonging his managerial career once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer.The 68-year-old will step aside for Pep Guardiola after two years back at the helm of the newly-crowned Bundesliga champion but not without fulfilling one last league match against Borussia Monchengladbach and finals in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League.Yet Heynckes freely admits that he has been approached by a number of clubs following Bayern's announcement in January that he would be departing the Allianz Arena, but insists he will wait to consider his options."The whole world has contacted me and want to take me while I'm still under contract, but I'm just concentrating on the Champions League final and not on any negotiations," he told a press conference ahead of FCB's clash with Gladbach on Saturday.
"It was an honor to work here. It's still great fun."
The former Real Madrid and Schalke boss had been tipped to prolong his managerial career outside of Germany, but he suggested such a commitment would not be the wisest at the age of 68.
"When I was 10, 15 years younger, I might have thought of a very profound commitment abroad. But you must remember that I am no longer the youngest," Heynckes concluded.
Balotelli 'really happy' to have left England
The striker believes he was treated unfairly during his time in the Premier League and insists his public persona was twisted by the media AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has revealed that he was "really happy" to leave England in January.
The 21-year-old spent three years in the Premier League with Manchester City, but he ended his spell at the club earlier this year after a much-publicized falling out with then-manager Roberto Mancini.
However, Balotelli insists he did not have to think twice about returning to his homeland when handed the opportunity after admitting to have felt isolated during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
"Yes," Balotelli told CNN when asked if he was unfairly treated in England. "But I'm not here to talk about if I'm unfairly treated. I don't care. I'm out from England, I'm happy that I'm out from England. That's it.
"I'm really happy now. I have my family near me and my friends. I can relax and find my privacy, more than in England, where I was alone."The former Inter starlet blazed a trail of negative press while at City, with stories of car crashes, throwing a dart at a youth team player and fireworks being set off in his bathroom to name but a few.
But while he remains a popular topic in the Italian media, Balotelli believes he is just a "normal guy" and must now endeavor to change the press perceptions of his character."The stuff that they said in the newspapers that I did in England in the past, few of those are real," he added. "The others are really just the imagination of the journalists. But when you create an icon of a person in that kind of way, after everyone thinks you are like this and if you lie about it, everyone just thinks that it is all true.
"So maybe that's why they think I'm crazy and do crazy things? Sometimes I dream to be alone and that nobody would talk to me. A love of women I think is normal. Cars? I like fast cars and I don't see the problem if I like fast cars.
"Some things have happened in my life, some stuff unfortunately happened and they went on the newspapers straight away. But I don't see anything that would make people think that I'm bad or I'm crazy. I'm a normal guy."But I understand that football is really important and that everybody watches it. When you're famous you have to do photos or autographs, especially for the kids.
"Of course, even if you're the best in the world then some people don't like you and some people like you. What is important for me is that the people who know me for real, know Mario how he really is.
"People who don't know me, they read newspapers and they watch TV. Television is made to give a lot of opinions, so I can't show the real Mario to everybody."
The striker believes he was treated unfairly during his time in the Premier League and insists his public persona was twisted by the media AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has revealed that he was "really happy" to leave England in January.
The 21-year-old spent three years in the Premier League with Manchester City, but he ended his spell at the club earlier this year after a much-publicized falling out with then-manager Roberto Mancini.
However, Balotelli insists he did not have to think twice about returning to his homeland when handed the opportunity after admitting to have felt isolated during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
"Yes," Balotelli told CNN when asked if he was unfairly treated in England. "But I'm not here to talk about if I'm unfairly treated. I don't care. I'm out from England, I'm happy that I'm out from England. That's it.
"I'm really happy now. I have my family near me and my friends. I can relax and find my privacy, more than in England, where I was alone."The former Inter starlet blazed a trail of negative press while at City, with stories of car crashes, throwing a dart at a youth team player and fireworks being set off in his bathroom to name but a few.
But while he remains a popular topic in the Italian media, Balotelli believes he is just a "normal guy" and must now endeavor to change the press perceptions of his character."The stuff that they said in the newspapers that I did in England in the past, few of those are real," he added. "The others are really just the imagination of the journalists. But when you create an icon of a person in that kind of way, after everyone thinks you are like this and if you lie about it, everyone just thinks that it is all true.
"So maybe that's why they think I'm crazy and do crazy things? Sometimes I dream to be alone and that nobody would talk to me. A love of women I think is normal. Cars? I like fast cars and I don't see the problem if I like fast cars.
"Some things have happened in my life, some stuff unfortunately happened and they went on the newspapers straight away. But I don't see anything that would make people think that I'm bad or I'm crazy. I'm a normal guy."But I understand that football is really important and that everybody watches it. When you're famous you have to do photos or autographs, especially for the kids.
"Of course, even if you're the best in the world then some people don't like you and some people like you. What is important for me is that the people who know me for real, know Mario how he really is.
"People who don't know me, they read newspapers and they watch TV. Television is made to give a lot of opinions, so I can't show the real Mario to everybody."
Premier League confirms potential third-place playoff to be hosted at Villa Park
Should Chelsea and Arsenal finish with the exact same points tally, goal difference and number of goals scored, a third-place playoff will be held at Villa Park on May 26.The Premier League has confirmed that Villa Park will be the venue for a potential third-place playoff between Chelsea and Arsenal.
The decision comes after it was established that the London clubs could finish level on points and both goal difference and goals scored. Such an event could only occur if Chelsea draws against Everton and Arsenal beats Newcastle by a one goal margin – though the Gunners would need to score two more than the Blues in each scenario.
The result would be for a one-off match to be played at Villa Park on May 26, with automatic qualification for the Champions League and an extra 755,000 pounds up for grabs.
A statement from the Premier League read: “Villa Park has been selected as the venue for a third-place playoff between Chelsea an Arsenal, should Sunday's results leave the two clubs level on points, goal difference and goals scored in the Barclays Premier League standings.
“In this eventuality the Premier League has made arrangements for a single match to take place between Arsenal and Chelsea at Villa Park on Sunday 26 May 2013 at an early afternoon kickoff time to be confirmed.
“The Premier League has consulted with the two clubs throughout the process of planning for this potential match with all parties in agreement that, should it be required, it should take place as soon as possible after the end of the season. The Premier League would like to thank Aston Villa for their cooperation in this matter.”
Should Chelsea and Arsenal finish with the exact same points tally, goal difference and number of goals scored, a third-place playoff will be held at Villa Park on May 26.The Premier League has confirmed that Villa Park will be the venue for a potential third-place playoff between Chelsea and Arsenal.
The decision comes after it was established that the London clubs could finish level on points and both goal difference and goals scored. Such an event could only occur if Chelsea draws against Everton and Arsenal beats Newcastle by a one goal margin – though the Gunners would need to score two more than the Blues in each scenario.
The result would be for a one-off match to be played at Villa Park on May 26, with automatic qualification for the Champions League and an extra 755,000 pounds up for grabs.
A statement from the Premier League read: “Villa Park has been selected as the venue for a third-place playoff between Chelsea an Arsenal, should Sunday's results leave the two clubs level on points, goal difference and goals scored in the Barclays Premier League standings.
“In this eventuality the Premier League has made arrangements for a single match to take place between Arsenal and Chelsea at Villa Park on Sunday 26 May 2013 at an early afternoon kickoff time to be confirmed.
“The Premier League has consulted with the two clubs throughout the process of planning for this potential match with all parties in agreement that, should it be required, it should take place as soon as possible after the end of the season. The Premier League would like to thank Aston Villa for their cooperation in this matter.”
Beckham not a 'great,' says former England winger WaddleThe 52-year-old believes the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder would not even make it into a list of the top 1,000 players from the Premier League era Former England winger Chris Waddle believes Paris Saint-Germain midfielder David Beckham is not good enough to be considered in the top 1,000 players of the Premier League era.
Beckham announced on Thursday that he will retire from football at the end of the season and has been universally lauded for an illustrious playing career. Yet Waddle has dismissed talk of the 38-year-old being a "great" and believes the game has seen a lot of more talented players than Beckham.
"I would say he has been a good player, I wouldn't put him down as a great," Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live. "You can go down a list of footballers since the Premier League, and I don't think David Beckham would probably be in the first 1,000.
"I think there has been a lot more talented players in the world. But he made the most of what he has got."
The 52-year-old Waddle, who won 62 England caps as a wide midfielder, believes Beckham has used his "terrific image" to good effect but was limited to being a hard-working player without any speed or flair.
"He has got a terrific image and used it very well," Waddle continued. "He never had a trick, wasn't particularly quick, but he was very good at set-pieces and deliveries, he made chances and made goals and was fantastic for clubs.
"He said the right things, he sold shirts, he put money in the tills wherever he went and conducted himself well.
"As a player I would say he was a fantastic crosser of the ball, a great athlete. Now people will be talking about him and saying 'how great, how great'. I would say 'how good.'
"I would not say he was a great. He was very good at his job, he worked very hard as a professional footballer."
Wenger: Arsenal not that far from Chelsea and Manchester City
The Frenchman believes his side is closing the gap on the top places, and also hailed its mental strength to hold the advantage over Tottenham going into the final day Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Gunners are not "not far" from Manchester City and Chelsea as the club prepares for its final game of the season against Newcastle.
Wenger's side travels to St James' Park knowing that victory will secure Champions League football for a 16th consecutive season, even if Tottenham beats Sunderland.
And the Frenchman, who is pleased to have the initiative going into the final day, believes his men can challenge for the top places next season.
"We are not far from Manchester City, we are not far from Chelsea," he said at his weekly press conference.
The Gunners trailed rivals Spurs by seven points following defeat in March's north London derby, and Wenger has hailed his squad for making up the gap in recent weeks.
"Having been seven points behind, we are happy [the race for a top-four finish] goes to the last day," he added. "I said that to the players, that we would have a great second half of the season. It's always down to mental strength in our job and we responded. I must give my players huge credit.
"The pressure is big but I always say the worst thing in my job is to play games without pressure. It's boring."
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew risked the wrath of Tottenham last weekend when, after securing his side's Premier League safety, he claimed that he did not care if Arsenal won 4-0.
But Wenger believes the Magpies will put up a fight, and that their manager's words came out in the heat of the moment.
"I take it as the relief of being safe, then the reality kicks in. You have take a bit of distance with that," he added.
Wenger also admitted that Mikel Arteta will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's game.
The Frenchman believes his side is closing the gap on the top places, and also hailed its mental strength to hold the advantage over Tottenham going into the final day Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Gunners are not "not far" from Manchester City and Chelsea as the club prepares for its final game of the season against Newcastle.
Wenger's side travels to St James' Park knowing that victory will secure Champions League football for a 16th consecutive season, even if Tottenham beats Sunderland.
And the Frenchman, who is pleased to have the initiative going into the final day, believes his men can challenge for the top places next season.
"We are not far from Manchester City, we are not far from Chelsea," he said at his weekly press conference.
The Gunners trailed rivals Spurs by seven points following defeat in March's north London derby, and Wenger has hailed his squad for making up the gap in recent weeks.
"Having been seven points behind, we are happy [the race for a top-four finish] goes to the last day," he added. "I said that to the players, that we would have a great second half of the season. It's always down to mental strength in our job and we responded. I must give my players huge credit.
"The pressure is big but I always say the worst thing in my job is to play games without pressure. It's boring."
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew risked the wrath of Tottenham last weekend when, after securing his side's Premier League safety, he claimed that he did not care if Arsenal won 4-0.
But Wenger believes the Magpies will put up a fight, and that their manager's words came out in the heat of the moment.
"I take it as the relief of being safe, then the reality kicks in. You have take a bit of distance with that," he added.
Wenger also admitted that Mikel Arteta will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's game.
Ancelotti: I have not spoken to Madrid
The PSG coach says only journalists are talking about a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu as speculation over his future in France grows Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied that he has spoken to Real Madrid about replacing Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese is set to return to Chelsea at the season's end, with the Italian touted a potential replacement at the Bernabeu, but Ancelotti says all talk of a move to Spain is just rumor.
"I am honored of the work I do here and it is normal," he said at a press conference. "A coach has a great responsibility. I'm not talking about Real Madrid, why would I have to talk about it? I have not spoken with Madrid, journalists talk about Madrid."
Ancelotti went on to pay tribute to midfielder David Beckham, who announced on Thursday that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season after an illustrious career.
"He made his decision, we must respect it. He thought it was the right time to stop. The world of football and PSG have lost a great player, but he made the right decision because he himself decided to stop," he explained.
The Italian also spoke about his relationship with the PSG squad and staff, thanking them for the support they have given him throughout his time in the French capital.
"I like the players and the staff. When you win it means that the relationship was good. We had hard times but it is a good test to understand if a group is strong in character. This group was strong. We had a party this week and there is a game tomorrow.
Tomorrow we'll talk about other things. I do not think because I'm busy with the party and many things. I have not had time."
The PSG coach says only journalists are talking about a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu as speculation over his future in France grows Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied that he has spoken to Real Madrid about replacing Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese is set to return to Chelsea at the season's end, with the Italian touted a potential replacement at the Bernabeu, but Ancelotti says all talk of a move to Spain is just rumor.
"I am honored of the work I do here and it is normal," he said at a press conference. "A coach has a great responsibility. I'm not talking about Real Madrid, why would I have to talk about it? I have not spoken with Madrid, journalists talk about Madrid."
Ancelotti went on to pay tribute to midfielder David Beckham, who announced on Thursday that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season after an illustrious career.
"He made his decision, we must respect it. He thought it was the right time to stop. The world of football and PSG have lost a great player, but he made the right decision because he himself decided to stop," he explained.
The Italian also spoke about his relationship with the PSG squad and staff, thanking them for the support they have given him throughout his time in the French capital.
"I like the players and the staff. When you win it means that the relationship was good. We had hard times but it is a good test to understand if a group is strong in character. This group was strong. We had a party this week and there is a game tomorrow.
Tomorrow we'll talk about other things. I do not think because I'm busy with the party and many things. I have not had time."
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