Wenger draws comfort

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his side’s 0-0 Champions League result at home to French club Marseille was not perfect but he praised his new-look back four.

He said: “It is not all perfect but we have rebuilt the back four. [Thomas] Vermaelen had a good game and [Per] Mertesacker was solid, [Andre] Santos as well and [Carl] Jenkinson has just come back, he lacks experience in some situations but overall he did all right.

“The positives are that we didn’t concede a goal and Marseille had one shot on target.”

Talismanic skipper Robin van Persie was a substitute but had the best chance of a drab second half after being introduced just after the hour and trying to chip the keeper.