Wenger comments post Chelsea match

'Defensively we were not at the level needed'

 

on the performance...
I feel we played against a good team, but we gave the game away. They had three shots on target and scored two goals, from soft set-pieces. Defensively we were just not at the level you have to be in a game like that, which is where we were punished today. For the rest, we have shown quality and spirit but we have to show more personality and authority on the goals we conceded.

on leaving Mertesacker on the bench...
That is a decision which was based on the opposition we played. You can say it was a wrong one maybe, but I believe [that statement] is a lowering the quality of the players who played, they are internationals.
If you do not play Koscielny or Vermaelen and cannot win the game, you will ask me the same question.

on Chelsea's first goal...
We did not attack the ball, on either goal. The difference between Chelsea on set-pieces and us was the way they were in the air - it was obvious today.

on Arsenal's mentality...
I would not say that, it is just on the day when you play at home you do not expect to concede two set pieces. That puts us every time on the back foot. We played two big games in a week, and it is difficult.
Every time you are behind in a big game you have 65 per cent of chances to win the game. We came back last week and did so again today, but then straight away gave away another goal again. It is impossible because you have to take all the risks and open yourself up. You play against good players and they can hit you on the counter-attack. That is where we were not at the [right] level.

on Giroud's chance at the end...
It was a top chance, and Cech kept them in the game as well on many occasions. he had an outstanding game.

on John Terry being allowed to play...
Yes, I had no problem. I do not want to interfere in that, I expected him to play. If the rules allow it why not?
on a possible over-reaction to the defeat...
Yes, maybe, but we have to deal with that. I can completely understand people's opinion, what is important is the personality you show in a big game. That is where is some areas we were not at the [right] level today.

on rotating central defenders...
Nobody can play all the games, it is simple.

on being 16 years in charge...
I never look back, I always look forward. I looked at today's game and look at the next game. It is not easy, it is never easy.