Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was content with Thursday’s 0-0 draw against Red Star Belgrade that took them into the next round of the Europa League.
A second-string Gunners side, with 11 changes from the team that beat Swansea City at the weekend, could not find the net at the Emirates Stadium, but Wenger thought it was a good learning experience.
"They started stronger than us," Wenger said. "They played well tonight, at a high pace and were dangerous on the break. They defended very well.
"We dominated possession in the second half, played more in their half, but lacked a bit of quality in the final ball. I'd say it is a fair 0-0.
"In the end, we didn't see goals and people aren't used to not seeing goals here. It's frustrating when you don't score, but we have understanding with many young players in the team. That's part of the learning process, to play these types of games.
"Red Star can be very proud of their performance tonight - not many teams come here and don't concede goals.
"You could see tonight was a very intense game. With the number of games we play, I'll continue [with the rotation policy] at the moment."
The match was also another chance for Jack Wilshere to get minutes under his belt, with the injury-ravaged midfielder overlooked by Gareth Southgate for the latest England squad.
"What Jack needs it to be injury free for a long period, until the end of the season, and to get games like that," Wenger added. "Maybe next time..."
