Stoke City boss Mark Hughes defends Marko Arnautovic after Mathieu Debuchy injury

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has defended forward Marko Arnautović, after the Austrian dislocated Mathieu Debuchy's shoulder during a collision in the Gunners' victory on Sunday, 11 January.

French international Mathieu Debuchy was replaced by youngster Héctor Bellerín in the 13th minute.

Wenger confirmed Debuchy has a dislocated shoulder after the game.

"He has a dislocated shoulder. It's difficult. We don't know yet, but he will certainly not play next week," Wenger said.

When asked whether Arnautović's collision was intentional, Hughes added: "There was no malice, I don't think.

"Those situations arise time and time again in games and there are no consequences. I don't think there was any intent to hurt [Debuchy]."

The Gunners secured a convincing 3-0 victory over the Potters after another impressive performance by Alexis Sánchez, who scored a brace and assisted Laurent Koscielny's opener.

Hughes admitted Arsenal were the superior team on the day, and praised the Chilean international.

"We were second best today to a good Arsenal side that has the benefit of a good start, and from that moment it was a difficult day for us," Hughes said.

"We never had a period in the game when we could dictate and they were really comfortable, which was a disappointment. We were a little bit slow in thought and intelligence. Arsenal, right across the board, were a little bit sharper and more adept in what they produced.

"They were just a little bit too quick for us and that was the key element for me."

Speaking about Sanchez, he added: "When you see the power he's got and the pace, he's an outstanding player.

"I find South American players have passion and drive. He's a world star, but he's put a shift in for the team."