Gallas gets Wenger backing

Gunners boss stands by skipper

Last updated: 26th August 2008

William Gallas

Gallas: Received Wenger support

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended captain William Gallas in the wake of their 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The French defender was criticised in some quarters after allowing Fulham's Brede Hangeland to get free and convert what proved to be the winning goal.

Gallas then failed to inspire a significant response from the Gunners, yet Wenger believes the whole team should shoulder responsibility for what was a lacklustre performance.

"We did not play well as a team, everybody knows that and William is no more guilty than anybody else," he said.

"It would be unfair to single anybody out. We lost as a team and we want to respond as a team.

"We have talked about everything needed to be successful in a team, and commitment is needed for any success, no matter how much quality you have.

"We live in a world now where you have to accept the critics and a definite conclusion from everybody," Wenger added.

Spirit

"But I know my squad is good, my team is good, our spirit is good.

"We are intelligent enough to know we did not play well on Saturday, but we know as well we have the needed quality to respond."

Arsenal have the opportunity to bounce back on Wednesday when they host FC Twente for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.

The Gunners overcame a stern test from the Dutch side to win the first leg 2-0, although Wenger has warned they are not yet assured of a place in the group stage.

"We were not good on Saturday and we lost the game, it is as simple as that," he said.

"You cannot want the supporters not to take it to heart because we do. We are all very disappointed with our performance.

Promise

"We completely understand the critics because we were not good - but we promise we will come back and play well tomorrow, to put a good performance in.

"We have done the job well at Twente, but the job is not over," added the Arsenal boss.

"We have to respect Twente and come into the game with a desire to win.

"It is not always easy to go into a match when you lead 2-0, but I want us to be positive and to win it."