Not off Song

He refused to admit Song had been missed, beating Bolton twice and drawing with Everton was doing quite well. Gallas and Vermaelen would also be back. He agreed the Gunners had a good record against Villa, that gave confidence but they would have to build on it.

Rather than see the next four games as make or break he saw it as a good opportunity.  Wilshere would now go out on loan. Quite a few teams, including Burnley, were interested, but Jack would have a say in where he went.

No striker - Outbid on Smalling

Man U had offered more money than Arsenal for Smalling, but he would not give up until the deal was finalized. However he was adamant that he was "not after any striker at the moment".

On the Cup

The press told Arsene that Lou Macari said that Wenger had disrespected the cup. Wenger replied he had forgotten the Stoke game already.

It didn't provide much advantage in the league, but it could make a difference for the Champions League in the second knockout round if Arsenal got through.

Senderos

Phil was on loan at Everton, that was his choice and he would be a free agent at the end of the season, then he could go where he liked.

Defence still improving

They had let a few goals in lately, but he believed they could shut teams out in big games, but, "the way chosen is to score goals".

Walcott

Asked about Walcott he replied that no player in the world can be out two months and come back and play well. A comparison was made with Milner, Arsene pointed that Walcott was only 21 and Milner 24; that he argued was a big difference. He also said that he still felt that Walcott was more comfortable as a winger.

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