Wenger defends selection policy

STOKE, England: Arsene Wenger defended his right to field a weakened team in Arsenal's 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Stoke and insisted his desire to lift the Premier League title had been behind his decision.

Wenger made nine changes at the Britannia Stadium but will recall the likes of William Gallas, Thomas Vermalaen, Gael Clichy, Andrey Arshavin and Eduardo for the crucial league trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.

This disappointing defeat leaves Wenger still waiting for his first trophy since 2005 but the Frenchman places far more importance on the league.