Selection changes forced on me says Wenger

The Gunners went down 3-1 at Stoke in a fourth-round tie, and manager Wenger conceded that his youthful side – albeit one including returning veteran Sol Campbell, left – could not cope with the home side's physical style.

But with crucial Premier League games coming up against major rivals Aston Villa, champions Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in a 14-day spell, Wenger clearly was concentrating on his club's title ambitions.

Ricardo Fuller scored with a header in each half for Stoke, with Dean Whitehead adding the third. Denilson had given

Arsenal hope with a first-half equaliser.

Stoke beat Arsenal in the league at the Britannia last season, sparking a war of words with Wenger over the Potteries side's physical style.

Tony Pulis's team repeated that performance but Wenger was more complimentary this time.

He said: "The game was more physical than technical, and physically they were stronger than us in a very simple game.

"We were exposed to a fight, and some of our players were a bit young and could not cope with it.

"I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice. We had 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up.

"Our selection was simple. Take a look at our schedule and you must see we cannot play the same XI every time, that is for sure.

"But if you do not win in such situations, it is my fault. I can only stand by the team I selected in the circumstances. We lost but there was not much room for manoeuvre in terms of players available."

Stoke boss Pulis was naturally delighted with the victory, saying: "The spirit was fantastic from our lads.

"We knew that whatever side Arsene Wenger selected, it would always be a quality team.

"They were top of the Premier League this week and they have a lot of injuries already. But whoever they fielded, it was going to be quality because he has a lot of depth.

"For Arsene to say we were dangerous is a compliment. That's enough for me."

He added: "I was thinking of taking Ricardo Fuller off before the second goal, but he may have seen what I was going to do and he made sure he stayed on with that goal.

"He was outstanding, as was Mamady Sidibe who put in a tremendous amount of work that people do not always see.

"They are a good combination. They are a handful when they are on their game, and they were certainly on form for this one."