Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2: People forget we have bought players, says wearied Wenger

The Gunners slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool, when Emmanuel Frimpong was sent off and centre-half Laurent Koscielny suffered a back problem which is likely to keep him out of next week’s Champions League play-off second leg against Udinese.

Given manager Wenger was already without several first-team players because of injury and suspension, the Emirates Stadium faithful once more called for their manager to spend big before the transfer window shuts in nine days.

Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid’s veteran Brazilian striker Kaka as well as promising Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila. Wenger, however, insists it is not just about getting out the cheque book.

“Overall we will buy. Maybe people feel I am stubborn, but I am not, I just want to do the best for the team and buy the right players,” the Gunners boss said.

“If I have shown one thing in the last 15 years, it is that I have brought good players.

“We will bring as well experienced players, but people just say ‘buy’ – but it is to buy the right player which is difficult.”

While Wenger has brought in fresh talent this summer, they have not been the experienced players which many Gunners fans crave.

That call for more mature heads, though, does not stack up for the Arsenal manager.

“I look at the players and if they are good enough,” Wenger said.

“You forget we have bought players – Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson, Ryo [Miyaichi] – and you will see over the season they are top-quality players, but at the moment we have to give them some time.”

As well as starting with 19-year-old Jenkinson at full-back, Wenger was forced to give Spanish teenager Ignasi Miquel his Premier League debut when Koscielny pulled up.

A clearance from Miquel which cannoned off Aaron Ramsey and into the Arsenal net handed Liverpool the lead, before substitute Luis Suarez knocked in a second in the final minute.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists there will be no problem in keeping a sense of perspective at Anfield this season.

Dalglish is in no doubt the squad is stronger this season following significant investment, but accepts only time will tell if those transfers have been “bold or stupid”.

“Everybody at Liverpool wants to be successful and win as many games as they can,” said Dalglish.

“The people who own the club, the people who play for it, from our side – and more importantly the people who support us want exactly the same thing.

“A victory always helps your belief, but you have to manage it. If you lose, you are not going to cut your throat and if you are winning, you are not going to take it for granted you are going to do that every week.

“Everybody will enjoy the moment – it is a fantastic result to come to a place of this quality and win 2-0.

“But we will maintain our dignity and respect, and also keep our feet firmly placed on the ground.”

Dalglish added: “Our supporters know we won’t be carried away – and neither will they.”