Wenger defends Gallas

Arsene Wenger has defended his captain William Gallas. The French defender has made high profile comments about the club, its youngsters - particularly Theo Walcott - but Wenger has not criticised his captain. Gallas was reportedly suggesting he was angry with the club after he threw his shirt to the travelling support at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

He said: "I believe he had not the best of performances on Sunday, and he would be the first to agree with that, but I don't question his leadership nor his position in the team.

"You have the same William Gallas - and the same people said it was a good choice to make him captain when we were five points ahead, and you have not to go too much overboard."

Wenger had no problems with Gallas' comments about Theo Walcott: "He said Walcott could be the next Wayne Rooney, but he has to work. What is wrong with that? You want at 18 years of age to not work? It's unbelievable.

"I read it really carefully, it didn't say anything wrong on that. After the way it has been turned, yes.

"If you want to win the World Cup you have to accept that your players are highly exposed, you have to accept that you have to work.

"Is it an insult to say somebody has to work? I don't know, I don't think so."