Arsene Wenger has admitted resting Robin van Persie for Arsenal's 0-0 draw in the Champions League against Marseille "was a gamble that didn't pay off"
Arsene Wenger has admitted resting Robin van Persie for Arsenal's 0-0 draw in the Champions League against Marseille "was a gamble that didn't pay off".
After his hat-trick at the weekend against Chelsea, the Dutch striker was left on the bench until the hour-mark when he replaced the ineffectual Park Chu-Young.
Robin van Persie
His late arrival in the match did not pay dividends, though, as the Gunners failed to produce enough chances in a second half where they looked physically drained following their exploits at the weekend.
"It was a gamble that you can say tonight did not come off," Wenger conceded to Sky Sports when asked about his reason for leaving his captain on the bench.
"He was very tired after the game on Saturday so we planned to rest him and make him come on later. He had the chance though, so if he scores that then it looks like perfect play, but overall we did not create enough."
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