Wenger defends team selection after FA Cup defeat by Stoke

'I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice'

Stoke delighted to be called the more dangerous side

Arsène Wenger said he had little choice but to field a weakened side as Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Stoke City. The Gunners went down 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium in their fourth-round tie and Wenger conceded that his youthful side could not cope with the hosts' physical style.

But with crucial Premier League games against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in a 14-day spell coming up, Wenger was clearly concentrating on his club's title ambitions.

Ricardo Fuller scored with a header in each half for Stoke, with Dean Whitehead adding the third. Denílson had given Arsenal hope with a first-half equaliser.

Stoke had beaten Arsenal in the league at the Britannia last season, sparking a war of words between Wenger and his counterpart, Tony Pulis, over the Potteries side's physical style. Stoke repeated that performance yesterday and Wenger was more complimentary this time.

"The game was more physical than technical and physically they were stronger than us in a very simple game," he said. "We were exposed to a fight and some of our players were a bit young and could not cope with it.

"I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice. We had 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up. Our selection was simple, take a look at our schedule and you must see we cannot play the same 11 every time. That is for sure.

"But, if you do not win in such situations, it is my fault. I can only stand by the team I selected in the circumstances. We lost but there was not much room for manoeuvre in terms of players available."

"Were they better than us? Let's say they were more dangerous than us. That is a very important factor in winning games. They do not give me nightmares, you get no surprises when you play at Stoke. You know what to expect but, as the game went on ,they looked stronger and stronger in one-on-one battles."

"I wanted to avoid a replay, that is why I sent on three experienced substitutes all together," joked Wenger. "And yes, it worked, didn't it. We have not got a replay.