Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted he would never have let Andy Carroll join West Ham had he known the Merseysiders would not get a replacement, following his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Rodgers did not have an orthodox forward on the bench for Sunday afternoon's home defeat by Arsenal and is now left to consider moves for the likes of Michael Owen, who is out of contract, and Didier Drogba, whose contract situation at Shanghai Shenhua could allow him to sign for another club.
"No," said Rodgers when asked whether he would have let Carroll leave, then "very" when quizzed about how confident he was of getting in a replacement. And for the likes of Owen and Drogba? "I can't say no. Any player I believe can improve the squad, I will look at," he said.
Sunday's result condemned Liverpool to their worst start to a season since 1962-63. It was hardly the best way to mark Bill Shankly's 99th birthday, although Rodgers tried to put on a brave face.
"I am not here to cry," he said. "Whatever has happened, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am very proud to manage this club. I have made it my life."
With Fabio Borini and Daniel Agger failing to take decent chances, Liverpool were ripe for a counter-attack. The sucker punch duly arrived when Santi Cazorla led a break that ended with Lukas Podolski driving home the Gunners' first goal of the season.
Liverpool briefly threatened a reply after half-time, but ran out of ideas and the excellent Cazorla profited from Pepe Reina's mistake to wrap up victory.
"Everybody understood quickly Cazorla would not need six months to settle," said Gunners boss Wenger. "Lukas Podolski is deadly when he gets a chance. I am pleased for them."
Wenger also confirmed he was hopeful Jack Wilshere would be fit to make a comeback within a month after over a year out with an ankle injury.
"Jack is looking very good in training. We will give him a month. Then he should start to play," he said.
