‘Humiliated’ Wenger insists he won’t walk away

ARSENE WENGER refused to consider stepping down after watching his side suffer their most humiliating defeat in 115 years and cited ‘special circumstances’ for the way his side were demolished by champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have not conceded eight goals in a league match since 1896 but in truth it could have been even more as their young side, decimated by injuries and suspensions, were ripped to shreds by a United side so superior that it was almost embarrassing by the final whistle.

The pressure now is building on Wenger, whose perceived stubborn refusal to spend in the transfer market has made his situation even more uncomfortable.

But the Frenchman, who arrived in London in 1996, has no intention of retiring or quitting.

“No,” he answered when asked the inevitable question within seconds of sitting down at his post-match press conference. “Because I feel it was under very special circumstances. It’s important we have played only three games in the season and two in the Champions League — it’s not the end of the season where you make a balance of the whole season.

“Of course it hurts, it’s humiliating. But you could see we had not recovered physically from Wednesday. We were short in some areas, that’s for sure. We had eight players out. They had class and they punished us.”

Wenger has found an unlikely ally in the shape of Alex Ferguson who defended him before the match and called for ‘respect’ for the Arsenal manager following the final whistle

“The criticism is unfair,” he insisted. “Look at the job he has done for Arsenal over such a long period. He has kept his philosophy in the football that they play. He has given Arsenal some entertaining players.

“He has always sold well, which has always helped the Arsenal coffers. Maybe people forget these things.”

Wenger can certainly claim bad luck has played a part in his nightmare. Arsenal have had a player sent off in every Premier League game this season, have suffered multiple injuries and had to sell their star players Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

But he knows he will be ultimately judged on his failure, so far, to bring in new signings at a time when Arsenal are crying out for new blood.

Monaco striker Park chu-Young is due to sign today but he is hardly the kind of big name the Arsenal supporters were hoping for.

“I’m very hopeful to find the right players,” insisted Wenger. “We have the money to sign players. If we find one who will strengthen our team we can do it.

“We have plenty of players out today, too many players missing. We don’t have the squad to compete with so many out.”