Wenger: Losing van Persie was a big blow

Manager Arsène Wenger has admitted that the loss of leading striker Robin van Persie for what could be the rest of the season is a big blow to the squad.

Striker Andrey Arshavin commented yesterday that no one was available to hold onto the ball anymore in the team, and this was causing problems for the attack.

Against Chelsea and Manchester City, it was obvious that the team could pile forward at will, but there wasn't an end product to the attack. The team also haven't scored in three consecutive domestic games since van Persie's injury.

Wenger said: "There is always a little period of re-adaptation when such an important player is missing. A team needs to find a new balance.

"During this period sometimes you pay for it, but we have no choice.

"I believe we have enough quality to live with that, and we have a good opportunity to show that in the coming games.

"I was not disappointed by our performance against Chelsea. I do feel they stood up.

"We lost a game and we can't deny that but it's difficult when you get two knocks just before half-time. And we lost two big games this season by scoring own goals.

"You cannot even say Chelsea scored the goals. Even if we don't score, Manuel Almunia is behind. The goal at Manchester United [by Abou Diaby] is almost the same.

"As for Manchester City, I am disappointed but that is not the same. I am disappointed because I wanted the young boys to go through to do it but it's no comparison."

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