Wenger: ‘I was not happy with it’
Arsene Wenger could hardly accept the manner by which Theo Walcott was left injured again on Saturday.
The English forward was making his first start of the season after a long injury lay-off but an aggressive tackle from Birmingham City’s Liam Ridgewell early on saw Walcott’s match ended after just 33 minutes.
Wenger has expressed fears over the 20-year-old’s fitness and expects him to miss Tuesday’s Champions League trip to the Netherlands for the clash with AZ Alkmaar.
With Arsenal’s impressive attacking depth this season, Walcott’s absence will certainly be made up for but just like two seasons ago when his side last faced Birmingham City, Wenger was left ruing another dirty foul by one of Alex McLeish’s men.
“I was not happy with it. It was a tackle cut through without any restriction. I felt it was a tackle meant to impress but I want to see it again – that was my first impression from the bench.” Wenger said.
“It looked a quick and hard challenge from outside. I don’t know – did he want to play the ball? He certainly went through him and if he touched the ball only it is part of the game.”
I don’t even know if the tired referee forgot his card at first half.he is also lazy and not fit..
Damn Brummies. Cant play beautiful football so they resort to kicking their opponents. I knew one of our players would get injured again today!
I think Ridgewell definately got the ball it was a very aggressive tackle to show Walcott what he was in for, for the rest of the game. I think a quiet word by the ref should have been said.
It was nothing like the tackle on Eddy so I am not going to trip on it.
Never like to see one of our soldiers get clipped but in all honesty the loss is not staggering because he basically hasn’t contributed anything this season.
Gives Rosicky more time on the pitch which is a silver lining in this situation.