Former Southampton manager and Scotland performance director Mark Wotte has defended Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's decision not to add further faces to his squad before the transfer window slammed shut.

Arsenal managed a finish of third in the Premier League last season, while they were also eliminated from the Champions League at the round of 16 stage.




But Wenger only brought in Petr Cech from Chelsea to add to his squad, failing to sign a first team outfield player.

He has come in for much criticism, but Wotte, pointing to the example of when Liverpool signed Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, has defended the Frenchman.
 

 

Wotte said via Twitter: "Wenger shows again he is unique, not signing players to please the press and fans, but comparing them to his own squad, with top players on the bench.

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"Bringing in top players doesn't always strengthen your team, it changes the dressing room group dynamics and sometimes is counterproductive – Balotelli."

Wenger will now be under pressure to ensure Arsenal progress from last season after he chose not to enter the transfer market on deadline day, while rivals Manchester City and Chelsea strengthened significantly.

Arsenal have collected seven points from their opening four Premier League games, a total which is already five fewer than league leaders Manchester City.