Wenger admits plans to rest Van Persie
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The Gunners became embroiled in a game packed full of goalmouth action as they secured their place in the FA Cup fifth-round draw, although Arsene Wenger’s men will now need to play an unwelcome replay.
Wenger admits he had planned to rest the legs of Van Persie – easily Arsenal’s best player on the day – but he had to scrap those plans as The Gunners toiled.
"We are very short at the moment and cannot rotate very much,” Wenger admitted as the end of Sunday’s match.
“I could rest a few players today but not as many as I had wanted. I had planned to take Robin van Persie off but it didn't work that way."
As for the extra game, Wenger admits he could do without a replay, but he is determined to make sure Arsenal progress in the competition.
"We could do without it, 100%, but let's not complain because we play football. It's one more game to play. If that's the price we have to pay to stay in the hat, we're happy to do it.”