Arsene Wenger has claimed that his decision to drop Wojciech Szczesny from the starting lineup in Arsenal’s game against Stoke City had nothing to do with last week’s incident when the goalkeeper was caught smoking after the club’s defeat to this season’s surprise package in Southampton, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal are back to winning ways after their 3-0 drubbing of Stoke at the Emirates Stadium this past weekend. The fixture also saw the return of Mesut Ozil to action after the German international was declared fit after an injury that has kept him out for a considerable period. It was Alexis Sanchez yet again coming to the rescue, as the Chilean continued his fantastic form in the Barclays Premier League, getting on the scoresheet and providing an assist. The goalkeeping duties were given to David Ospina, and there was speculation about Wenger opting for the Columbian as a punishment to number one Szczesny. Manchester United’s loss to Southampton was also a good result for Arsenal, as they are now just one point behind the Red Devils in the league table.

Szczesny has been part of Arsenal’s youth academy since 2006, and after three years of development and one loan spell at Brentford, the Poland international was ready to take over the number one position. The 24-year old has played a total of 132 league matches for the Gunners, but has faced criticism following the smoking incident.