Wenger's small comfort in Moscow

The pair helped Arsenal keep only their fourth clean sheet in their last 15 away games in the Champions League and the former England international was proud of their defensive performance.

He said: "We were awesome at times. It was a great shut out and we looked solid. That is what we wanted. They had some very good movement and it was a case of trying to snuff out the danger and stop the chances." Keown thought he may have broken his shin in Arsenal's 3-2 win against Newcastle last Friday and had X-rays before being declared fit to play last night.

With Arsenal having so many absentees in Moscow he felt he had little choice but to play and his attitude in that respect is what he referred to when defending his alleged misdemeanours at Old Trafford-today. Keown pointed out he has generally been a role model to young players throughout his career and fell just short of identifying his latest pupil, Toure, as proof that he still is.

The pacy Ivory Coast international showed last night he is settling into his central defensive role and even came close to scoring with a glancing header just before half-time.

Keown said: "Kolo is learning very quickly. He is a willing learner and it is a joy to work with someone who wants to ask questions. He has got the tools to be a top player.

"Moscow was difficult because they had good movement and there were four or five players we were both coming into contact with. He did exceptionally well. It was difficult to be heard because of the atmosphere. The noise was unbelievable but those sort of games are great for Kolo to play in."

It was not so good for Arsenal's talented strikers whose goalscoring touch deserted them. Sylvain Wiltord's performance was poor and he was caught offside repeatedly. Henry was skilful and industrious as ever but shot over after five minutes when Edu supplied a good chance in the penalty area.

Arsenal struggled to maintain periods of possession in the first-half but countered well and dominated more as the game wore on. Pires missed their best chance on 56 minutes when he fired straight at the advancing goalkeeper after excellent work from Henry put him clear on goal 10 yards out.

The Frenchman had another chance nine minutes later after Cole's shot from just inside the penalty area was blocked and the players were adamant he was denied by a handball which the referee did not penalise.

Keown said: "It is important to get the balance and obviously we would have liked to have put away some of our chances but the lads usually do that and I sure they will in future."

At Liverpool on Saturday in the Premiership, where they are most comfortable, they might as Wenger predicted Campbell, Ljungberg and possibly Vieira could all be available again.

But when they next play in Europe after seven consecutive winless games in the Champions League it will be make or break. Another defensive lesson from Keown alone will not be enough.