Wenger: 'We played an outstanding game'

"We were aware that we had to match Birmingham physically. We were prepared today to face the challenges, physical challenges. We prepared ourselves as well not to lose our game plan, to be calm and to focus on putting the ball down and playing our game.

"We had the chances in the first half, got stronger and stronger and in the second half we played an outstanding game.

"We know the importance of winning at places like Birmingham because a draw away from home is not good enough, especially when you see the results of other teams today.

"Every time you play away you think a point is a disaster because you lose ground potentially."

"When I saw the fixtures I decided that I needed to rotate. You can change four or five in one game, then four or five in another game. I decided basically to change the whole lot for one game and then come back with a new bunch of players for the third game. I am paid to make such decisions."