ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger insists he will stay true to his footballing philosophy, despite witnessing Aaron Ramsey break his leg under a hefty challenge from Stoke's Ryan Shawcross.

The Welshman became the third Gunners player in four years to suffer a serious leg break, following injuries to Abou Diaby and Eduardo. But, while Wenger has occasionally instructed his players to 'toughen up', he admits he would prefer to stick to his pass-and-move style of play than resort to a more robust approach.

“I encourage my players to play and be committed,” he said. “I have a go at them when they don't put their foot in sometimes.

“But as well sometimes I nearly feel guilty to do that because when Aaron goes for the ball like he did on Saturday and gets done like he did, it's not an easy situation.

“But the way I try to play the game, I believe, is the right way. When we don't win, I get a lot of stick because of that way but I still prefer to continue to play like that. We will respect the game, the opponents and try to give pleasure to people who watch us.”