Wenger defends substituting Arsenal star Ox

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended his decision to substitute impressive young winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during last night's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates. Gunners fans were left fuming as the Frenchman replaced the dangerous winger with Andrei Arshavin; as 'The Ox' had assisted Robin van Persie for the equaliser just minutes before being substituted.

As Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced last night, Wenger was hit with a chorus of boos by the Gunners' fans left disappointed by a decision that many felt cost Arsenal the chance of a point in the game.


Arshavin came on and was partially responsible for giving away the second goal that gifted United the 2-1 victory.


However, Wenger very quickly defended his decision to replace the England under-21 international: "He started to stretch his calf and he had given a lot, he is not used to that intensity.


"I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn't work, but he had started to fatigue.


"I've been a manager for 30 years and have made 50,000 substitutions. I do not have to justify every decision I make."