Wenger: I didn't expect to lose so many players at Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits his massive recycling of players wasn't planned.

Much has been made of Arsenal's silverware drought having entered its fifth season, and as the squad overhaul has reached an almost breathtaking pace, Wenger has admitted the transformation has not always been on his own terms.

"I had not planned to make so many changes to the squad," he said.

"At the time, in 2006, we did not plan to lose Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini. Thierry Henry, I knew, would go to have a final move and he did not play here. But I believe this team has a big future now. We have improved the belief and the results.

"However, we know we have not won anything yet, it is all in front of us and that is what we want to show this season."