Wenger takes sick leave as Gunners draw

Pat Rice took charge of the Arsenal team that drew 2-2 with Austrian Fourth Division side Ritzing last night after manager Arsene Wenger failed to shake off the effects of a stomach upset and felt too weak to travel.

It may have been just as well Wenger did not see the awful defending that allowed Roland Sebesta and Oliver El Senosy to score and give the part-timers a two-goal lead at half-time.

Pascal Cygan, with a header, and Fredrik Ljungberg, with a late penalty, gave the scoreline a ring of respectability.

Rice, though, was pleased with the performance of new Swiss defender Philippe Senderos.

The Arsenal assistant manager said: "Still some rough edges but he will only get better working with Martin Keown and Sol Campbell."

Arsenal's next game on the tour is against Austria Vienna on Friday.