Wenger cuts press conference short after West Ham win 'to do some work in the transfer market'

Jan 23, 2013 11:32:00 PM

The Gunners boss kept his post-match comments brief in order to focus his efforts on the final week of the transfer window, though he did reserve special praise for Lukas Podolski

Arsene Wenger cut short his press conference following Arsenal's 5-1 thrashing of West Ham "to do some work" on the club's transfer targets.

The Gunners came from a goal down to put their London rivals to the sword on Wednesday night, with Olivier Giroud scoring twice in a 12-minute blitz early in the second half to help secure all three points.

Wenger was pleased with the way his side responded after going behind to a Jack Collison strike, and reserved special praise for Lukas Podolski - whose thunderbolt strike restored parity in the first half - in the short time he spoke on the match.

"We got a good response," he told reporters. "West Ham were dangerous in the first half and from set-pieces. In the second half we created chance after chance.

"I thought it was an interesting test [at 1-0]. I couldn't predict we would score five, it was vital to equalise before half-time.

"It was a repetition of the game at West Ham when we were 1-0 down. Everybody can score against everybody.

"I never felt that the players didn't know how important it is. I was worried they were sometimes a bit inhibited.

"Podolski was outstanding. He has an unbelievable shot, the keeper had no chance. It was new for us, we scored from a corner!

"I still believe [the left] is his best position. Yes [he had one of his best games], he was also very good in the away game at West Ham."

Wenger confirmed that Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful for the Gunners' FA Cup clash with Brighton on Saturday after suffering an ankle problem, but when pressed on the club's dealings in the transfer market, he was quick to suggest that some developments were in the pipeline.

When asked whether there were any updates, he confirmed: "No [I have nothing to tell you]. That is why I have to shorten the press conference, because I have to do some work!"

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