Arsene Wenger admitted his gamble of resting Robin van Persie did not pay off after Arsenal drew 0-0 with Marseille.
But Arsenal boss pleased to take four points from Marseille
Arsene Wenger admitted his gamble of resting Robin van Persie did not pay off after Arsenal drew 0-0 with Marseille at Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League.
Victory over the French club would have ensured the Gunners' progress from Group F into the last 16 of Europe with two games still to spare.
It was therefore a surprise Wenger decided to rest Van Persie, with the Arsenal captain's hat-trick at Chelsea on Saturday having taken his scoring total for 2011 to 28 goals in 27 Premier League games.
But Wenger, who had an eye on the coming home game with West Brom, told
Sky Sports when asked about the decision to only introduce his skipper as a 62nd minute substitute: "It was a bit on the edge.
"It was a gamble that you can say tonight didn't come off.
Strong position
"But, overall, he was very tired after the game on Saturday. He has played many games and I took the gamble to rest him first and make him come on."
Van Persie had an opportunity to win the game for Arsenal in the second half, but his attempted chip was comfortable for Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
"I felt he had the chance. If he scores, it is perfect play. But overall we didn't create enough," Wenger admitted.
But the Arsenal manager was not completely disappointed, having defeated Marseille in France on Matchday Three to leave his club with a superior head-to-head record over Didier Deschamps' team.
Wenger said: "Overall, I must say, we took four points from Marseille in the two games. So now we want to win the Dortmund game at home and then we are in a strong position.
"But, of course, it is good that we didn't concede tonight because it was difficult to score in the second half."
