Communication breakdown

Last updated : 11 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

"To be honest, Hugo said he gave me a shout but we were down in that corner where all our fans were and I did not hear him," Hughes said.

"Obviously sometimes this can happen in the heat of the game with all the noise coming from the supporters and really it was just one of those things.

"With Luzhny and Wiltord bombing on at us, we were always on the back foot and it was the same for Nobby Solano and Andy Griffin on the other side of the field.

"Yet we worked hard all game but Arsenal attack and defend very well. In fact, they never gave us a chance to create much at all.

"Highbury is a very hard place to get a result and I think they proved against us on Saturday just why they are the champions."

At least we won’t have to face Wiltord, Ljungberg, Henry or Pires on Wednesday.