Source: Daily_Mail
Wenger takes the blame as Arsenal shadow team suffer Cup KO at Stoke
Arsenal Wenger blamed himself as Arsenal were muscled out of the FA Cup by Stoke City on Sunday afternoon. [LNB]The Gunners boss fielded a weakened side - with Sol Campbell making his second debut for the club - and lost the gamble as the Potters ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a double strike from Ricardo Fuller and one from Dean Whitehead.[LNB] Disappointing return: On his second debut for Arsenal, Sol Campbell (right) battles with Stoke goal hero Ricardo Fuller[LNB]Wenger admitted: 'Physically, Stoke were stronger. We were always exposed to a fight and some players were a bit young to cope with it. We didn't want to go out of the Cup.[LNB]'But if you look at our schedule, it's simple to see that you cannot always play with the same 11. If you change it and you don't win, it's your fault.[LNB]'Stoke were sharp, physical and always dangerous in the air. We weakened as the game went on and they got stronger and stronger in the one-against-ones. It was a game that was more physical than technical.'[LNB]Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: 'Oh, that's a compliment. The spirit was absolutely fantastic. Irrespective of which players are selected, Arsenal are a quality team.'[LNB]Campbell professed himself pleased with his first game since an ill-fated spell at Notts County in September. He said: 'It was great to be playing again, rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in. But it's not nice to be knocked out of the FA Cup.'[LNB] Arsenal's sorry Sol Campbell misses the honeymoon period again - just like at Notts CountyStoke 3 Arsenal 1: Sol Campbell makes losing return thanks to Ricardo Fuller's double headerEverton enter race with Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Dutch forward Klass Jan HuntelaarFA Cup fifth round draw: Southampton to host Portsmouth in plum tieARSENAL FC
