Arsene Wenger hits out at media

Arsene Wenger today moved to put the record straight after Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack told the Arsenal manager to stop looking for excuses in the wake of defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Following Sunday's 2-0 loss which left the Gunners some nine points off the Barclays Premier League leaders, Wenger congratulated Chelsea on their efficiency but also claimed "we didn't get a demonstration of football".

Ballack responded by taunting Arsenal's inability to win big matches and to vary their tactics, declaring: "It is always the same style. If you play tactics like we did, you can beat them."

The Gunners host Liverpool tomorrow night, but the fall-out from Sunday's match continued in this morning's pre-match press conference at London Colney.

Wenger said: "I would just like to say that I was full of compliments and praise for Chelsea after the game and I find it completely unfair from the press that you take one word of my press conference to turn it in a kind of probe every time.

"You did that at Villa (where Martin O'Neill lambasted Wenger for criticising his team's tactics), you did that at Chelsea and every time. If you look at the intent of my press conference it was positive towards the opponent.

"If you want, we can have a press conference and I can say nothing, don't worry.

"As for (Ballack's comments), I am long enough in England to know that the team who wins can say what they want. They are right.

"It is my job to take a distance from that and analyse the game in a calm way with a cool head and to analyse what is right."

Wenger added: "I have to live with all the conclusions that Chelsea are a much better side, but I believe what I believe."

Despite all of the criticism as his young team continue their quest for a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, Wenger will remain steadfast to his beliefs.

The Gunners boss declared: "There is only one way to play football - that is to win games and be efficient. The best way to win the games is the way which is most adapted to the qualities of your players and the philosophy of your club. That is what we try to be faithful to.

"You have to accept that when you lose games, the way you play is always questioned - what becomes a fantastic quality when you win, becomes a fantastic mistake when you lose. It is like that.

"We still have to believe in the way we do things, in the way we play and to show that strength."