Red Star Belgrade on Thursday managed to hold Premier League giants Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in their UEFA Europa League tie and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted the result was a fair one.

“I think they started stronger than us, they played very well tonight. They played at a high pace, they were always dangerous on the breaks and they defended very well,” Wenger said at his post-match press conference.

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The Gunners were chasing their fourth Europa League win on the trot but were unable to break down a spirited Red Star side at the Emirates Stadium.

“In the second half I felt we dominated possession much more, played more in one half, but we lacked a bit of quality in the final ball, vision to find the right space and overall I must say it is a fair 0-0,” the long-serving Arsenal manager admitted.

Injury-prone midfielder Jack Wilshere started and played the full 90 minutes but Wenger hinted the talented Englishman is not at 100 per cent just yet.

“He needs these kinds of games to come back to his best level and what Jack needs is to be injury free for a long period until the end of the season and get games like that,” the French tactician observed as he added, “Then I don’t believe he could have been involved (for England), he’s not, so maybe if he keeps fitness he will be next time”.

After dropping points for the first time in the UEFA Europa League campaign, Wenger stated he would continue to rotate players for the continental completion. 

Arsenal have, by and large, fielded fringe players and youth prospects for the UEFA Europa League while utilising the majority of their established stars for the Premier League.

“Look we made ten points from four games, so overall I believe that it is good if I can combine both. You could see tonight it was a very intense game and with the number of games we play we want to play in every single competition. I think yes I want to continue that at the moment,” Wenger confirmed.

The Gunners have the unenviable task of traveling to the Etihad Stadium for a Premier League clash with leaders Manchester City on Sunday and while their form in the English top-flight has improved in recent weeks, most fans would admit even a point would be a good result from that tie.