Can't blame Fab exit for Arsenal rout: Guardiola

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has taken the time to defend Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in the aftermath of the Gunners' heavy 8-2 loss against Manchester United on Sunday.

Wenger infuriated Arsenal fans with his decision to cash in on Cesc Fabregas (to Barcelona) and Samir Nasri (to Manchester City) this summer without signing adequate replacements and Sunday's thrashing only made things worse for the beleaguered manager.

"We should not forget what Wenger has done for football in general and for Arsenal in particular. They are still a great team, regardless of what happened against Manchester.

"This loss was not down to the departure of Cesc and Nasri."