Wenger: Nothing changes

Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2009 by PA

Arsene Wenger knows Eduardo's successful appeal against a two-match European ban for diving will not be the end of the on-going saga over players trying to con referees.

The Croatia striker is now focusing on the Champions League opener at Standard Liege - where the Gunners will be without goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and forward Robin van Persie - following the decision by UEFA to overturn their suspension handed out after the qualifier against Celtic at Emirates Stadium last month.

However, the Arsenal manager accepts the debate over cheating match officials will continue to rage.

"We have to accept this case has been instructed by the media," said Wenger, who had lambasted the whole episode as a "witch-hunt" against the forward, just back to match fitness from a year out with a broken leg.

"We had appealed because we thought we were in the right.

"If UEFA had decided that Eduardo was suspended for four games, we would have accepted it. That was the gamble we took."

Wenger insisted: "People have to accept this does not change anything to do with diving at all.

"In this case, it was not clear enough to convict Eduardo, but we still have all together to fight against diving."

With van Persie not travelling to Belgium because of a slight knee problem rather than anything to do with the facial injury suffered in a clash with former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor during Saturday's fiery Barclays Premier League clash at Eastlands, Wenger admits the availability of Eduardo is a bonus.

"I am very happy we have Eduardo back because we have plenty of offensive players who are out," said Wenger.

"We have [Andrey] Arshavin, [Theo] Walcott, [Samir] Nasri and of course Van Persie.

"Eduardo on top of that would have been too many strikers to have out.

"That is why I am very happy to have him back. It was a good surprise I must say."

Rookie Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone is set to make his Champions League debut as Manuel Almunia remained in London because of a virus and Lukasz Fabianski is still recovering from knee surgery.

Despite just one Premier League match, against Stoke last season, and a couple of games while on loan at Barnsley under his belt, Wenger is confident the 21-year-old can handle the occasion.

"It is a big challenge for a young boy to come into a Champions League game with such a big pressure, especially away from home," he said.

"When you look at the stadium, it will be quite a difficult atmosphere."

Defensive midfielder Denilson is also sidelined by a minor back complaint, so Czech winger Tomas Rosicky could be in contention having made a long-awaited comeback at Manchester City.

Wenger said: "Everybody in the squad is very happy to have Tomas back, not only because we love him but because he is a fantastic football player.

"He has a good chance because it is a good opportunity for him."

Liege are making their debut in Europe's elite club competition, having missed out on the group stages last season when beaten by Liverpool in their third round qualifier.

Arsenal's record away European victory came against the Belgians, winning 7-0 here in the 1993-94 UEFA Cup.

Wenger, though, is not expecting an easy ride, with Standard unbeaten in 15 games at home in all competitions.

"We have more experience than them and it is a little bit of an advantage, but I saw them last year playing against Liverpool and they played two outstanding games," he said.

"Liverpool were quite lucky to go through last year."

Arsenal were Champions League finalists in 2006, and made the semis last season, losing to Manchester United.

Wenger, though, rejected some less than impressive European displays away from Emirates Stadium would prove their Achilles heel in the bid to reach Madrid next May.

"I think overall we have quite a good away record. We did not lose many," he said.

"When we went to Porto, we were already qualified, we lost at Manchester United, but we played a draw at Villarreal.

"Overall I think we were quite stable and we won when we needed to win.

"Our record is similar to other clubs - it is difficult for everyone to win away from home."