Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dismissed the number of empty seats tonight at the Emirates – despite thousands of fans not turning up.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dismissed the number of empty seats tonight at the Emirates – despite thousands of fans not turning up.

Wenger was speaking after his team dispatched a game but limited Sunderland team 2-0 aftere a second half brace from Alexis Sanchez.

However, his team’s slender chances of finishing in the top four depend on being able to beat Everton in North London on Sunday – while hoping already-relegated Middlesbrough do not lose at Anfield against fourth place Liverpool.

The unlikely chance of that pair of results occurring saw thousands of Arsenal fans either boycott tonight’s match – or simply fail to attend through apathy.

Yet Wenger was insistent his team have a chance, dismissing the boycott and apathy.

When questioned about the large number of empty seats he attempting to explain them away by replying: “It is Tuesday night.”

When asked if the seats would be filled for the crucial Everton game on Sunday he replied: “It’s sold out.”