Wenger wants Old Trafford backlash

Arsene Wenger has vowed to ensure that Arsenal take out their frustration on Manchester United this weekend by showing the character to respond to their heaviest home defeat in the Champions League.

Arsenal’s defensive shortcomings were painfully exposed as Inter Milan, even without Christian Vieri, powered into a 3-0 lead at Highbury before half-time.

While Thierry Henry’s penalty was saved by Francesco Toldo, Inter also struck the post in the final minute as they completed a comprehensive victory.

Arsenal have little time in which to lick their wounds, however, as they face United on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Wenger declared: “We have to make sure that it doesn’t affect Sunday’s game. Manchester United won 5-0 in midweek and are maybe on a high while we’re on a low.

“But we have four days to work on that so we can go up there and show how strong we are mentally and how strong our togetherness is.

“We must not become too desperate. We have lost a game at home but we still have five to play in the group, we’re top of the Premier League and we have a big game in front of us.

“That’s a good way to show our character and team spirit. We can complain and cry all night, but it will not change the result. The only thing we can do is to respond well.”

Wenger admitted that his side were exposed defensively by Inter, with Sol Campbell understandably looking off the pace as he coped with the news that his father has just suffered a stroke.

Ashley Cole was also often caught out of position, while only makeshift centre-back Kolo Toure looked to have the pace to cope with exciting Nigerian 18-year-old striker Obafeme Martins.

Above all, Arsenal seem to be paying a heavy price for their inability or unwillingness to spend the required amount over the summer on the top-class centre-back that they so badly needed.

Wenger, who has the option of restoring Martin Keown to the side at Old Trafford, was nevertheless on the defensive about his lack of activity in the transfer market.

“When you lose games, you always think you should have bought. But we know we have to do well with what we have and I think it’s possible,” he insisted.

“Until now, we have not conceded too many goals so I wouldn’t like to rush my decisions as it’s not the best way. I’d like to see again how we conceded the goals before I see what I can do about it.”

Most damningly of all, Arsenal have now won just one of their past 10 Champions League ties, with no victories in any of their last six home games in the competition.

And while they can still relaunch their group campaign, they must now do so in tricky away ties in Moscow and Kiev.

Although they started brightly at Highbury last night, with Fredrik Ljungberg spurning an early chance, the Gunners were behind after just 21 minutes when Martins played in Julio Ricardo Cruz.

After the dangerous Andy van der Meyde had volleyed home four minutes later, Arsenal missed their only chance to get back into the game when Henry’s penalty was saved.

With the impressive Martins striking Inter’s third just before the break, the result was beyond any doubt and the Italian side gave a masterclass in defending a lead in the second-half.

Wenger nevertheless insisted: “It’s disappointing as everything turned against us. Inter played well but they were not unbeatable and the difference between the two teams was not three goals.

“Am I shocked? Well, I would certainly say that I wasn’t pleased. In games like that, every time the opponent has the ball, they score.

“If you analyse one game after the next, you could say we have problems to win at home. Whether it’s a psychological problem or not, I don’t know.”

Wenger must nevertheless find those answers sooner rather than later. Arsenal may still be a potent force in the Premier League but their inability to conquer Europe shows no signs of abating yet.