Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to blame captain William Gallas for weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The France international central defender came in for criticism particularly for not managing to thwart Cottagers’ match-winner Brede Hangeland.

However, Wenger, who had kept the faith in the former Chelsea man as regards to maintaining him as the skipper for this season, has again backed his 31-year-old compatriot.

"We did not play well as a team, everybody knows that and William is no more guilty than anybody else," said the Gunners boss, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against FC Twente at the Emirates Stadium. The north-Londoners are 2-0 up from first leg.

"It would be unfair to single anybody out. We lost as a team and we want to respond as a team.

"We have talked about everything needed to be successful in a team, and commitment is needed for any success, no matter how much quality you have.

"We live in a world now where you have to accept the critics and a definite conclusion from everybody."