Records not the priority for Wenger

Wolves - 1 Arsenal - 3 For Arsene Wenger records are not ends in themselves, unless they guarantee trophies. They are mere markers along the season's road. And the road is hard - so many games, so much for Arsenal's manager to ponder.

Victory was the top priority, not the Arsenal record it ensured with their 24th unbeaten Premiership game since the start of the season, eclipsing George Graham's team of 1991. And Wenger seemed more relieved than jubilant that his team had succeeded where Manchester United had failed recently.

Yet there was much to irritate Wenger - a heavy pitch, hungry Wolves and Arsenal's first-half imperfections.

Even more irritating was news of United's late winner, which meant the champions remain only two points behind almost two-thirds through the season, despite suffering four defeats.

To be unbeaten so far, Wenger admitted, "you need a little bit of luck and mental qualities." His main concern now is physical resources. Wenger wants Jose Antonio Reyes to have "an adaptation period", but may be forced to give his record signing his first Premiership start against Southampton tomorrow because of Dennis Bergkamp's calf problem and the unavailability of three other forwards.

Reyes came on for Bergkamp and, with an unselfish pass, almost provided Thierry Henry with his 100th Premiership goal. But it was the Frenchman's 99th, Arsenal's second, that was the "killer" in David Jones's view.

Henry was clearly beyond the last Wolves defender in the build-up before retreating to a legitimate position as Robert Pires delivered his delayed pass.

"The stupid, bloody rule," fumed Wolves' manager. "Is he offside or not? We don't know what to do with it. You can't coach against it. It's rubbish."

Arsenal got their third goal when Patrick Vieira, almost on the by-line but in a legitimate position, adroitly volleyed across for Kolo Toure to head home.

After their strenuous first-half efforts which saw Vio Ganea equalise with a rising half-volley for his first Premiership goal, Wolves faded physically.

In terms of precision, Arsenal reached top gear in their first attack. Edu opened up Wolves' right flank and Ashley Cole crossed quickly for Bergkamp, with the outside of the foot, to curve his shot just inside Paul Jones's left-hand post.

Driven by Alex Rae, Wolves stuck at it, equalising and then almost going ahead as Carl Cort was denied by Jens Lehmann and Ganea by Sol Campbell.

Wolves head to Leeds tomorrow, while Arsenal entertain Southampton with another top-flight record in view - a seasonal start of 29 unbeaten games, held by Leeds (1974) and Liverpool (1988).

But Wenger knows he and Arsenal will be judged after 38.