Defensive duo feel wrath of Wenger

Arsene Wenger's decision not to sign a top-quality central defender in the summer was under fresh scrutiny today after William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre were blamed for the 4-4 collapse against Tottenham.

The two France stars were reported to have been singled out for criticism by the Arsenal manager in a heated dressing-room exchange that followed Wednesday's derby.

Arsenal conceded two goals in the dying moments to allow Spurs to snatch a draw but it felt more like a defeat to Wenger.

Sources claimed there were raised voices in the post-match inquest with full-back Gael Clichy said to be close to tears.

Wenger was particularly concerned about the defensive lapses - Gallas and Silvestre are a new centre-back partnership - while anger was also directed at striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Wenger is now poised to ring the changes in his back four for tomorrow's match at Stoke with Kolo Toure set to return in place of Gallas, who has a hamstring injury.

Arsenal scoured Europe for a new centre-half last summer but Wenger ended up only signing utility defender Silvestre, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United.