Wenger - Everton stopped us

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted Everton stopped the Gunners playing during the 2-2 draw with the Toffees.

Wenger's side twice came from behind in treacherous conditions at Emirates Stadium thanks to deflected goals from Denilson and then Tomas Rosicky in injury-time.

With Chelsea's game at Hull City postponed because of the weather, Arsenal missed the chance to go within one point of the Premier League leaders.

Wenger praised Everton for making it difficult to play, but also hailed his team's spirit to come back from behind twice.

"They stopped us from playing, we didn't find our flow," he told Sky Sports.

"They were sharp, played very well and it was close to 3-1 at one stage but it went to 2-2.

"In the end our spirit got us back, it was outstanding spirit. We didn't stop, we kept going until the end and that's why in the end we got a point."

Asked whether he could understand Everton's disappointment regarding the deflected goals, Wenger added: "I can understand that but they threw their bodies at everything and in the end the deflections went for us.

"We were a bit lucky on that but as I said it was well played the second goal, we were a bit lucky on the deflection but overall the build up of the goal was good."

Denilson was forced off in the second half with an injury while William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen also suffered knocks.

"It is a mysterious one (Denilson injury) because we haven't found out the real reason, is it a rib problem, is it a lung problem - a deeper problem? We don't know yet," Wenger said.

"They (Gallas and Vermaelen) have knocks but they should be alright for the next game."

Striker search

With Nicklas Bendtner set to come back in two weeks, Wenger was asked whether the Dane's return will mean Arsenal no longer need to search for a striker in the January transfer window.

He said "It doesn't mean anything, I believe we are out there on the market with an open eye."

Wenger also condemned the shooting on the Togo international team coach in Angola, but says he will not withdraw players from the African Cup of Nations.

"I believe it's important that maybe before the competition goes on there's maybe an international check of the security," he remarked.

"And as well maybe why not in some areas where one or two players don't feel comfortable, let them drop out of the completion.

"I don't want to do that (recall players) because I believe it will be disrespectful to Africa and to the African Nations Cup.

"We cannot want always to encourage Africa to develop and if something happens then say lets all come back to Europe."