Arsene Wenger: 'I am proud of the spirit Arsenal players have shown... but we have big regrets'

Wenger also says he warned Francis Coquelin about red card

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he has "big regrets" after failing to close the gap on rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners held a first-half lead through Aaron Ramsey but the game swung on its head in a matter of minutes.

Francis Coquelin was sent off for a stupid second yellow card, before Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane scored two goals in just two minutes to take a 2-1 lead.

Alexis Sanchez scored an equaliser for Arsenal, with the game ending 2-2, but Premier League leaders Leicester City could go five points clear at the top if they beat Watford this evening.

"I'm proud of the spirit the players have shown and the response. Even 2-1 down with 10 men away from home, we managed to come back with at least a point," Wenger told BT Sport after the draw.

"But we have big regrets because it looked like we were completely in control when we went down to 10 men, and that's the regret of the day. Overall it's difficult to take."

Wenger also says he warned midfielder Coquelin to be careful after he picked up a booking in the first-half.

"We told him at half-time, because he had a yellow already," Wenger said. "It was a mistake and he knows that but he wanted to do well.

"But I think [Eric] Dier deserves a second yellow as well. That could have changed the game."

Wenger added that he's never questioned the character of his team.

"Personally I never questioned the character of this team, but when you don't win the games and you lose you have to accept that and respond on the pitch," Wenger said. "That's all you can do and I think we did that today."