Wenger on Stoke City, Cech and Ozil

Arsene Wenger talked to the media after Arsenal's draw at Stoke City. Below is a transcript of what was said:

on the game…
We did well to battle. They made the game physical, they were up for it, the players were up for it and they were up for a direct game. We had to have a physical response and show solidarity, fighting spirit and togetherness. We lacked a bit of creativity to force a way through and on top of that we missed good chances. They were fighting from the first to the last minute. We wanted to win the game but looking at our history here it is a positive result. Looking at the results of the other teams that played at the top, it is a positive result. But overall, we missed two points today.

on a game of two keepers…
I think Stoke was dangerous as well. I think Stoke played very well today in the air but we had clear-cut chances with Giroud and Campbell. Maybe there was a dangerous situation when Theo Walcott could have got a penalty or a free-kick on the edge of the box. Stoke have remarkable defensive discipline and they played very well.

on Stoke playing well…
[They] always [have a good game] when Arsenal come to Stoke. I must say I cannot fault my team for their attitude, it was spot on the way my team responded to the challenge. I used to be a bit more creative but overall it was a solid performance.

on a tough fixture…
We had all the ingredients of a team that is ready for a fight and respond. The pitch was not easy as well but we lacked the final ball on the counter attack but we did fight and we have to give credit to the team.

on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…
He had very interesting moments in the game where he showed his qualities and how he can get out of pressure, go past people and get into the final third. In the future it can be a very interesting position for him. I played him in a 4-3-3 today. Normally we play a 4-2-3-1 as players like to push forward and I think it is a position that suits him well.

on Ozil…
He had an inflamation on his foot and yesterday morning we looked and he was not very well. He was not 100 per cent at Liverpool so I decided to leave him out. I think he should be back for next Sunday.

on the chants towards Ramsey…
I don’t listen too much. I focus on the game. I shut my ears and that is the best way to deal with it. I don’t know what to do about it and I have no influence over it. I don’t really know what they should do about it. When they get together sometimes they forget that individual responsibility. Maybe when you go home and watch it on television, you will be less proud.