Wenger: I did see the incidents

Arsene Wenger has admitted he has sometimes been economical with the truth in order to protect his players.

The Arsenal manager is well known for saying he has not seen controversial incidents during his side's matches.

But now the Frenchman has owned up to the fact he has often seen more than he has let on but prefers not to comment before he has had chance to review the video.

He told the official club website: "It has happened once or twice [when I pretended not to see something on the pitch] but I believe that I have nothing to lie about that, it was just honesty.

"When I did it, I did it to protect the players because you don't know what happened before that incident and that's why.

"I am not especially keen to do it again, most of the time I don't believe it's down to me to see things happening on the pitch. When there are incidents it is down to the referees.

"Now when I say I didn't see something and I really didn't see it, you don't believe me. So that's the price I have to pay for that!"

Arsenal were widely dismissed as serious title contenders ahead of the new campaign but began it with a sensational 6-1 win at Everton.

Goals from Denilson, Thomas Vermaelen, William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas (2) and substitute Eduardo ensured the Gunners romped to victory, with Louis Saha grabbing a late consolation for the Toffees.

Wenger added: "People have been writing us off. But what is important is not what others say, but what we do. From being told we were not competitive before the game to now being told we are super-favourites is strange. But it is right to say that this is just the first game and we aim to continue to give our best."