Source: Team_Talk
Wenger defends van Persie stance
With striker Nicklas Bendtner set to sit out Tuesday's clash with Greek side Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium after suffering minor bruises when his car went off the road, Dutchman van Persie will again be leading the Arsenal attack.
Van Persie's well-executed finish against Fulham proved enough to take all three points on Saturday, when the Gunners were up against it for long spells and had rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for a man-of-the-match display.
The Dutch international, 26, had also made the pre-match headlines when admitting he has exaggerated when he has been pushed by a defender.
By so doing, van Persie weighed into the diving debate after team-mate Eduardo was banned by UEFA, a decision which was subsequently overturned, following an incident against Celtic in the Champions League qualifier.
Wenger, though, feels van Persie has a point.
"Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about," said the Arsenal manager.
"He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.
"In fact, the television showed a great example of it at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when [Patrice] Evra fouled van Persie 100%.
"He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled."
Wenger added: "There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before - at Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed."
Bendtner, meanwhile, is expected to return to the squad at the weekend.
The 21-year-old was driving along the A1 on Sunday morning towards South Mimms when his car left the road.
It is understood no other vehicle was involved in the incident.
"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train," said Wenger.
"He should be back for Sunday's game [against Blackburn]."
Winger Theo Walcott may also be in line to feature at the weekend, having not played at all this season because of a back problem, which have hit his England chances.
Wenger said: "He is short of competitive action at the moment, he needs a game and we will organise a game for him."
Midfielder Denilson is, however, set for an extended spell on the sidelines because of a fracture to his back.
Wenger feels he has plenty of cover, with both Abou Diaby and Czech international Tomas Rosicky challenging for a starting place tomorrow.
"We have plenty of options," said Wenger.
"We have a very big squad at the moment and there are opportunities there for anybody to take.
"Aaron Ramsey is not far away from the first team now and Jack Wilshere who can play when requested, so we have plenty of opportunities for young players to come in."
Arsenal have shrugged off the disappointment of their two away defeats to both Manchester clubs to record four successive victories.
"I believe we have played well since the start of the season and what's worse, but in a good way, is that in the games we have played the best we haven't won," said Wenger.
"But we showed that we can beat anybody since the start of the season and we have that belief in the squad."
