Wenger: 'Our passing wasn't sharp enough'

Our intensity and organisation were at a high level on Monday night but overall I think that Manchester United defended very well.

The technical quality of the game was average on both sides because the pitch was very poor in my opinion. It was bouncy and slippery and the game suffered a lot from it.

Man United played a very simple game but they were efficient at it because they scored a goal and we didn't create enough chances. You have to give them credit because their defence didn't make any mistakes while our passing was not quick or sharp enough.

On reflection both teams played at the top level tactically but we were a bit nervous, especially at the start, and we couldn't get them out of position. All the same you have to give them credit for good defending.

They knew we keep the ball well and their team was built and focused to defend and catch us on the break. In fairness we were not dangerous enough to dominate the game and create chances. In the second half it was all us trying to get them out of position and create chances and them taking advantage of counter-attacks.

It is a big frustration and a big disappointment but what is important is that we bounce back in our next game against Stoke on Saturday. Overall on what I have seen tonight there is no reason not to believe and we know we can play better offensively.

Finally I must say that Wojciech Szczesny put in a good performance. He looked a bit nervous in his kicking in the first half but overall with his hands he didn't make any mistakes.

He came into the side because Lukasz Fabianski had an injury but in this job you don't look at the size of the game. When you have the quality, you play.

Every big goalkeeper has started at 18 or 19 years of age. For example I saw Edwin van der Sar when he was 18 and he played in big games.