Wenger lauds side’s true grit

– Arsene Wenger (above) heralded Arsenal’s strength of character after his side recorded a dramatic 1-0 victory at Burnley without Mesut Oezil.

After a morale-boosting local derby win over Tottenham a week earlier, Wenger was looking for Arsenal to build on that victory and improve on a record of just four points away from home this season.

The fact that the Gunners did so without German playmaker Oezil and against a Burnley team that started the day level on points with them in the Premier League table made the day especially rewarding for Wenger.

“For us, after the win against Tottenham, it was important to go away from home and play a different game and win it,” said Wenger, whose side are up to fourth place.

“And that’s what we did. For the benefit of the team it’s very important.

“They showed great character because we kept a clean sheet and they were really up for it, Burnley.

“We won 1-0 but I congratulate our three centrebacks because they did a remarkable job.”

Oezil was ruled out on the morning of the match with illness and will now be assessed before the Huddersfield clash tonight.

Alexis Sanchez won the game with an injury-time penalty, awarded after a push by James Tarkowski on Aaron Ramsey, and, despite complaints from Burnley players and supporters, Wenger was adamant that referee Lee Mason made the correct call.

He also claimed Arsenal may have been awarded an earlier one after Robbie Brady tackled Hector Bellerin in the area.

“From outside it looked 100 percent a penalty,” said Wenger.

“I don’t know why he pushed him with two hands in the back.

“I can understand why they were disappointed but from our side it looked a penalty.” – AFP