Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Newcastle manager Steve McClaren after the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over the Magpies. Wenger suggested Steve McClaren’s side adopted defensive tactics which prevented Arsenal playing football.

“Newcastle wanted to stop us from playing and they tried that from the start.” Wenger said.

“It was about patience and nerves. We needed not to rush our game and to wait for our chances and take one of them.”

“Newcastle decided from the start to make the game quite physical, we had to keep our nerve and not become aggressive as well.”

Newcastle new man Mitrovic was sent off in the game, a decision which proved controversial. However, Wenger admits he did not see the challenge.

“Honestly during the game I didn’t see it.” Wenger added.

“I’ve just seen it on television and he didn’t get the ball, it’s a red card.”

“Did he do it on purpose? I don’t know.”

“It was a strange game after that, they played 15 yards deeper with 10 against nine in the final third.”

“We didn’t find the space and they defended well. We are happy in the end to win the three points.”

Wenger, who opted for striker Theo Walcott ahead of Olivier Giroud, said he would be in the market for an “exceptional player” as the end of the transfer window looms.

“We are open if we find an exceptional player in any sector we will do it.” Wenger said.

“Whether something will happen, I don’t know.”

“I expected more space for Theo [Walcott] but after 15 minutes it was a different problem for us.”

“There was no space behind their defenders.”

[Quotes via Goal.com]