Wenger: We lacked a bit of spark

Dear Arsenal Supporter,

I felt 1-1 was a fair result on Sunday.

It was a game where we had a lot of possession and in the first half we were in control. But in fairness Liverpool defended well, we had the ball in their half a lot but didn't find any openings.

I thought in the second half we could do that better after Joe Cole was sent off but they had a strong start and it was very difficult at 1-0 down against ten men who played very deep. They intelligently took the fluency out of the game. We just kept going and throwing more and more people forward and in the end we got a deserved equaliser.

I couldn't see us losing a game like that without being deeply hurt because we had a lot of possession. We lacked a bit of spark in the final third but overall my players have shown the right attitude.

I didn't see Cole's challenge on Laurent Koscielny at first because it was completely in the corner. He is usually a fair player, he is not someone who tries to hurt people, it is not his style. Maybe he was a bit rash in his tackle but Koscielny had a big knock on his shin and fortunately his shin pad protected him well. We were scared at first that his leg was broken.

What did I learn from my team at Anfield? That we are quite solid as a team, our passing is still decent and we need a bit more penetration in the final third to take advantage of our possession. That is normal because many players are just coming back from the World Cup and some from injuries. It is a positive that the spirit is there and the attitude was good.

As you will know I signed a new contract with Arsenal and I did that because I love the Club and I don't see myself going anywhere else.

I believe that signing a new deal is the only way to show my commitment to this Club. I don't know if it will be my last job but if I can finish these next four years well, I will already be happy. I am at an age where I do not plan in decades anymore, I plan month by month!

Going back to the team, we finished third last year and our ambition is to progress, to improve. I feel the two players who we bought have done well - I believe Marouane Chamakh and Koscielny had impressive performances on Sunday. But I also feel we are still a bit short defensively.

Thanks for your support.

Arsène Wenger