Gallas did not travel with the squad after making critical comments about his team-mates in midweek, when he questioned their fighting spirit.

Wenger took exception to questions about the French defender's absence in his post-match press conference.

However, the Arsenal boss told Radio 5 Live: "Of course he has a future at the club."

Wenger added: "I will not speak about William Gallas in a post-match interview. He is a player who did not play today, so what can he do? Nothing.

"Why should we not talk about (Cesc) Fabregas and the other nine players who are not here. We can go on until midnight and I will give the same answer to the same question."

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With Gallas absent and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia wearing the armband, City romped home thanks to goals from Stephen Ireland, Robinho and substitute Daniel Sturridge (penalty).

It was the Gunners' fifth league defeat of the season and their hopes of the title already look a distant dream.

Wenger is trying to remain positive, however.

He said: "Nothing disturbed us before the game. We had good focus and concentration. I believe it was a flattering victory for Manchester City.

"We were in control in the first half but then conceded a goal in stoppage time.

"That goal changed the game. City played a lot on the counter attack and we played into their hands.

"We lacked maturity and the second goal illustrated that. The third goal was a very soft penalty.

"We gave absolutely everything - we are not in the blaming culture. We stand up for our responsibilities."

Wenger added: "We have to keep our belief. With a strong team in a strong club, you have sometimes to go through a period like this.

"It is how well you deal with that situation you determine your future.

"I believe we have to try to win our next game and not set targets and see where we go."

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes was delighted to see his side get back on track.

He said: "I think it is only the second time in the Premier League we have been able to beat Arsenal, so it is a significant victory for us.

"We were good value for the win as well. We had a game plan and wanted to break up the rhythm of their play.

"We did not want them to dictate how the game was going to shape up. The players stuck to their task and caused them problems."

Ireland made the breakthrough by chipping the ball over Almunia in first-half stoppage time.

Then Robinho, who had been away on international duty with Brazil in midweek, had the crowd on their feet with a superb strike and Sturridge wrapped things up with a cool penalty.

Hughes said: "It was a fantastic finish by Robinho. When he is one v one with the goalkeeper you expect him to score.

"He will always demand the ball in key areas of the field and it was a great performance by him. Considering he only turned up from training yesterday, he was exceptional."