‘Fighter’ Flamini receives high acclaim from Arsenal boss Wenger

After the recently concluded north London derby that we won 2-1, fans of the club reportedly damaged signs at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.

A brace from midfielder Mathieu Flamini, including a superb 25-yard volley late in the second half, at White Hart Lane proved enough to seal a place in the fourth-round draw, which will see the Gunners head to Sheffield Wednesday.

An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot was parried away by Spurs keeper Michel Vorm, but Flamini was able to convert on the rebound for the goal.

Wenger went on to praise Flamini’s display, especially his second goal which was a sweetly struck volley into the bottom corner of the net.

“If they do not manage to do that it is better you let them go, but he wanted to stay”.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said his side were “unlucky” to lose a game that they had “dominated”.

“We were unlucky to concede the own goal and still found the resources to score the victor”. Flamini’s heroics ensured that Arsenal shrugged off their controversial defeat to Chelsea over the weekend.

Wenger largely blamed Chelsea’s Diego Costa for provoking Gabriel into the kick that led to his dismissal. It’s a great way to bounce back and we’ve got to try and put things right on Saturday.

However, Wenger took little solace from the FA’s decisions. These are big players but this can happen, they are not machines. There were some incidents in this game that were handled too lightly. “I have heard many people have been talking about me, but what is important is on the field”. Spurs’ only goal came from a second half own goal by Calum Chambers. Tottenham gave absolutely everything but [after] around 70 minutes we could take advantage.

“I’ve got to keep putting in good performances every time I get a chance and keep up high standards, or it can change very quickly”. There are always mistakes in football.

Pochettino continued: “I don’t regret (my selections) – you can make mistakes, remember when (Diego) Maradona missed a penalty? Players are not machines”.