Arsene Wenger Pleased 'Intelligent' Arsenal Secured Birmingham City Win

Photo Gallery

Zoom

EPL: Robin van Persie, Arsenal - Birmingham (Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

• Arsenal
• Birmingham

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was satisfied with his side's performance this afternoon against Birmingham City, especially with their response to the Blues goal.

"Overall we had plenty of chances, we were very comfortable," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"It was [looking] more like [it was going to be] three or four [nil] and suddenly it was 2-1 and then you need to keep your nerves and because the third goal came late, of course, you need to be diligent.

"Overall I still believe the most important thing after an international game is to start with three points again."

Asked if he thought it was important his side maintained their concentration Wenger responded: "Yes of course, and not to make defensive mistakes and keep going forward. We are a team who likes to go forward and in fairness we had plenty of chances even in the second half. We missed a little bit of sharpness.

"I feel as well that in some situations we wanted to force the decision individually when we could have done it collectively and that's why we didn't score more," explained the Arsenal boss.

Wenger highlighted the mental strength of the team, saying his side will continue to grow as the campaign develops.

"You can always learn as a team and I believe that we are an intelligent team that learns always," he added.

Arsenal 'keeper Vito Mannone felt he was fouled by Sebastian Larsson for the Birmingham goal. His manager was non-committal but felt the goal should have stood.

"From outside I didn't see that, no, but I have to see that on the tape again. From outside it didn't look like that," The Gunners manager claimed.

On Theo Walcott's injury following a tough challenge by Liam Ridgewell, Wenger said he was unsure how extensive the damage to his English winger was.

"He suffers from his knee, we don't know yet...is it a twisted ligament or just a kick. We will have to assess him," the Frenchman explained.

"I believe for the Champions League game he will not be available."

Owen Watson, Goal.com UK