Following our hard-fought 0-0 draw against Stoke, Arsene Wenger was keen to compliment the Potters’ ‘defensive’ style of play post-match.

Although Stoke were the better team in the first half, in the second, we came into the game and it was fairly even. However, this was thanks to Stoke locking us out and not allowing us a moment’s rest to pass the ball. Wenger even admitted post-match that he was surprised that Stoke decided to play the direct route, like they used to, rather than their new, improved passing game.

Again, our inability to perform under pressure, particularly in midfielder, was highlighted.

However, this shouldn’t take away anything from Stoke who could have nicked a winner at any point. Although we did have chances, we didn’t ever really look as if we were going to score and this was because they were so disciplined.

“I think Stoke was dangerous as well,” Wenger said.

“I think Stoke played very well today in the air but we had clear-cut chances with Giroud and Campbell. Maybe there was a dangerous situation when Theo Walcott could have got a penalty or a free-kick on the edge of the box. Stoke have remarkable defensive discipline and they played very well.”

As much as I hate to say it, Stoke had their tactics and they executed them perfectly. If either team had lost, they would have felt hard done by.