2011-08-13 : Newcastle 0 - 0 Arsenal

Wenger: 'My players gave a solid performance'

Dear Arsenal supporter,

I thought my players gave a solid performance at Newcastle on Saturday.

We were in control of the match and I felt that Newcastle had last season's 4-4 draw more in their mind than we did because they were organised not to concede goals.

I must say they defended well and made it difficult for us but I felt that we were missing something in the final third and in the speed of our passing.

But overall we had a good performance and I can't remember Newcastle having a clear-cut chance of scoring. We deserve credit for that and I believe that Vermaelen and Koscielny played very well together.

The big talking point came at the end with Gervinho's sending off and I feel we were harshly punished. We try to play football and sometimes we overreact so we have to take control of that. If we have an area to improve on, then that is it.

You will know by now that the Club has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Cesc Fabregas.

We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc to leave and that remains the case. However, we understand Cesc's desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We want to thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and we wish him success in the future.

The transfer window is still open and we are not scared to spend money if we find the right player. If it is for £2 million or £20 million we will do it if he adds quality to our squad. We have all our scouts all over the world and we look everywhere.

Thanks for your support.

Kind Regards,
The Arsenal Membership Team