Wenger says 'Don't blame Dave!'

He said: "I think the ball was deflected by Ray Parlour, so I don't think David could do anything about it. The ball hit the side-netting so it was almost impossible for him. It was very unfortunate but David knows deep down that he couldn't do anything about the goal. It won't affect him.

"You may feel hard done by but you forget it easily when you win the game. That's the most important thing. You look at his reaction after the game and of course he was pleased. But I don't think he feels any guilt for the goal."

Kanu of course spared seaman's blushes with a late late winner, and the boss acknowledged his contribution:

"I am happy for Kanu as he had a difficult start to the game but came better and better and in the end he made the difference. He's a guy with character."