Wenger - We had to dig deep

Frenchman pleased with character, and rejects Lehmann reports

By James Dall   Last updated: 10th January 2008

Arsene Wenger

Wenger: Happy with draw and denying Lehamnn talks

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side were second best against Tottenham in the Carling Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Juande Ramos' men were impressive in the first leg encounter as they dominated large spells of play, and took the lead in the first half through Jermaine Jenas.

But The Gunners struck a late equaliser through Theo Walcott, and Wenger has praised his side's character.

"Arsenal [leave happier] because we suffered tonight, I feel we gave a lot against Burnley on Sunday, and we had not completely recovered physically," he told Sky Sports 1.

"But overall we still came back from 1-0 down under difficult circumstances. It puts us in a good position to qualify at White Hart Lane.

"Tottenham played well. They had more chances than we had. It was more down to us to dig deep. For me it's a positive result."

When asked if the Frenchman is tempted to involve a number of his more experienced players in the second leg, Wenger insisted that his younger players would continue to play.

"No, we have made decisions that will stand for the second leg. I am convinced we can do it," he continued.

Lehmann

Wenger went on to reject claims from Borussia Dortmund that the German club have agreed terms with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

"It is not true. I deny that Jens has agreed personal terms with Dortmund and I deny that we have any agreement with Dortmund," he concluded.