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ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal v Liverpool:ARSENE WENGER has insisted he will not abandon his principles in the wake of traumatic defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea which he admitted were “very painful” to endure, but called for patience and realism as Arsenal confront the prospect of a fifth successive season without silverware.

Arsenal are nine points off the top after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and welcome Liverpool to the Emirates tonight conscious that they must emulate the form of their 10-match unbeaten run that spanned December and January if they are to recover their title challenge. The club retains hope in the Champions League but Wenger will not be swayed from his policy of developing young talent rather than spending lavishly in the market, even if the trophy drought continues.