Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is wary of pushing Robin van Persie too quickly after his comeback in defeat to Newcastle.

Van Persie struggled to impose himself on the game but Wenger had his reasons for turning to the Dutchman.

"We pushed him in too early because I had to do something," explained the manager. "You saw it was very difficult for us to score a goal and there is always a set-piece or a cross or a pass where he can make a difference.

"It is a plus [to have Van Persie back] but you can see he is not ready."