Source: PA
Wenger rues Wilshere absence
Arsene Wenger may have no complaints with Jack Wilshere's red card for a rash challenge on Birmingham's Nikola Zigic, but admits Arsenal will miss the England teenager as he serves a mandatory three-match ban.
Wilshere's studs-up tackle on Zigic during stoppage time at Emirates Stadium overshadowed what was a hard-earned and important 2-1 victory for the Gunners, which moved them back up into second place in the Barclays Premier League following successive defeats before the international break.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has impressed this season, immediately apologised for his "mistimed" challenge and insists he will learn from the mistake.
Wenger had used his programme notes to again call for a clampdown on tackles which leave players injured, and was involved in a frank exchange with reporters when that very issue was raised in the post-match press conference - with Arsenal now having received three red cards so far this season, the most in the league.
However, one thing the Arsenal manager accepts is his team will be poorer for Wilshere's enforced absence.
"It looked to me a red card. We have no complaints," Wenger said. "Jack had an outstanding game, but his first touch let him down on that occasion.He did not want to harm the player but he caught him, so it is difficult to complain."
