Source: Telegraph
Arsene Wenger blames himself as Arsenal dumped out of FA Cup by Stoke
Arsenal lost 3-1 at the Britannia stadium in the fourth round of the Cup, and Wenger conceded that his youthful side could not cope with Stoke City's physical style. [LNB]But with crucial Premier League games against major rivals Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in a 14-day spell coming up, Wenger clearly was concentrating on his club's title ambitions. [LNB] Related ArticlesStoke City 3 Arsenal 1Win Arsenal v United ticketsVito Mannone signs new Arsenal contractFA Cup fifth round draw: Man City face Stoke, Chelsea play CardiffFA Cup fourth-round actionTransfer TalkRicardo Fuller scored with a header in each half for Stoke, with Dean Whitehead adding the third. Denilson had given Arsenal hope with a first-half equaliser. [LNB]Wenger said: "The game was more physical than technical, and physically they were stronger than us in a very simple game. [LNB]"We were exposed to a fight, and some of our players were a bit young and could not cope with it. [LNB]"I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice. We had 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up. [LNB]"Our selection was simple, take a look at our schedule and you must see we cannot play the same 11 every time. That is for sure. [LNB]"But if you do not win in such situations, it is my fault. I can only stand by the team I selected in the circumstances, we lost but there was not much room for manoeuvre in terms of players available. [LNB]"Were they better than us? Let's say they were more dangerous than us. That is a very important factor in winning games. [LNB]"They do not give me nightmares, you get no surprises when you play at Stoke. You know what to expect, but as the game went on they looked stronger and stronger in one-on-one battles." [LNB]Wenger joked: "I wanted to avoid a replay, that is why I sent on three experienced substitutes all together. And yes, it worked, didn't it. We have not got a replay! [LNB]"We have four very important games now in a short space of time, that is what we are focusing on. [LNB]"I wanted to win the game, and the cup. We didn't want to go out, but it was the sort of game that had we played at home we would probably have got away with it (fielding that team). [LNB]"But away from home it was a bit more difficult." [LNB]Stoke manager Tony Pulis was delighted with the victory, saying: "We are very pleased with the win. The spirit was fantastic from our lads. [LNB]"We knew that whatever side Arsene Wenger selected, it would always be a quality team. [LNB]"They were top of the Premier League this week and they have a lot of injuries already. But whoever they fielded, it was going to be quality because he has a lot of depth. [LNB]"For Arsene to say we were dangerous is a compliment. That's enough for me."[LNB]
