Wenger unhappy with Santos’ half-time shirt swap with Van Persie

Nov 5, 2012 5:30:00 PM

The Gunners boss has admitted that he feels the Brazilian made a mistake, but insists that Arsenal must focus on the real reasons for their defeat to Manchester United

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Andre Santos for his decision to swap shirts with Robin van Persie at half-time during his the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Van Persie, who left the Emirates for Old Trafford during the summer, scored the opening goal to ensure that his side went into the break with a 1-0 advantage but as the side’s left the pitch at half-time, Santos embraced the Dutchman and took his shirt from him.

Wenger has admitted that he feels the Brazilian's actions were wrong, but claims that his side must focus on why they lost the match.

"I spoke about that but I don't want to make too much of a big story of that," he told reporters.

"I believe that was not the right thing to do at all, but that is not an explanation for our bad performance on Saturday."

The Gunners have had their worst start to a top-flight campaign under the Frenchman’s management, and currently lie sixth in the Premier League, nine points off the pace set by league-leaders Manchester United.

They now face a trip to Germany to take on Schalke in the Champions League before returning to England for a Premier League clash at home to Fulham on Saturday.

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