Djourou defends dealings

Djourou: Defended Wenger in face of criticism over his transfer dealings

Arsenal centre-half Johan Djourou has defended Arsene Wenger's dealings in the transfer market.

Wenger was criticised for not bringing in more experienced defensive cover during January, particularly to cover for the loss of Thomas Vermaelen to a long-term Achilles problem.

But the French tactician has received support from Djourou, who is no stranger to the treatment room himself this term.

The Switzerland international - who went off in the victory over Manchester United last time out with a leg problem and will be assessed ahead of Sunday's clash with Stoke - insists simply plunging into the transfer market is not the answer.

Most important

He told Arsenal TV Online: "Of course you can add players if you wish, but the most important thing is making sure the players you have are progressing well together.

"I always look at 'the Invincibles'. People forget sometimes, they say we have not won anything and we need to buy big players, but when the boss went to get Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljungberg people were saying 'who are they?'.

"People were asking questions and look what happened.

"The criticism is not always fair and that is a great example to show it because those guys have become legends.

"Football is not always about buying the biggest players [to] bring you glory."