2011-01-01 : Birmingham City 0 - 3 Arsenal

Wenger: 'We were prepared for a physical game'
Dear Arsenal Supporter,

We were prepared mentally to face physical challenges against Birmingham on Saturday.

We prepared ourselves not to lose our passing game and be calm, intelligent and especially keep the focus to put the ball down and play. We had chances in the first half and in the second half we were outstanding.

I was asked after the game about Lee Bowyer's challenge on Bacary Sagna but I don't want to talk too much about that. I don't want to keep that in my mind because what's more important is the way we want to play football. I am convinced this win will strengthen the belief of the squad.

A draw away is not a good enough, especially if you saw the results of the other top teams on Saturday. Every time when you play away from home you think a point is a disaster because you lose ground and you cannot afford to because there are so many teams fighting. You do not want to get behind.

I was criticised for making eight changes at Wigan but, in fairness, I am used to criticism! I can understand why I was critisied but I think what is important is that I am paid to make decisions.

Strong decisions are better than half decisions. I took a decision and it nearly worked, we were a little bit unlucky last Wednesday. I could have played the same team three times and lost at Wigan and tonight. I know that we dropped two points at Wigan but you can also say that Manchester United dropped two points at St Andrew's.

Over the festive period we were the team with less recovery time than any team and the team who played, along with United, twice away from home. I decided from the start when I saw the fixtures that I needed to rotate. You can do four or five in one game and four or five in the other game but I decided to go with the whole lot in one game and come back with the whole lot in the third game.

Now we take on Manchester City at Emirates Stadium and it is a big game. We have known since the start of December that the games at home against the big sides will have a big impact on the league. We started well with Chelsea and I think that win lifted the team and we can go into the City game with confidence.

So far we have played 20 games, with 11 away and nine at home. We have a good opportunity to take advantage of the number of games we have to play at home, especially against the big teams.

We are in a race where every game becomes important. You cannot choose your games. We have learnt two things since the start of the season: the most consistent team will win it and you can drop points anywhere. West Brom, who are in the second half of the table, play outstanding football and that has changed in the Premier League.

Thanks for your support.


Arsène Wenger