Robert Pires has made light of the bungled penalty attempt during the Artsenal’s win over Manchester City at Highbury on Saturday.

Pires intended to set up Thierry Henry from the spot-kick, but merely scuffed his pass allowing City’s defenders to clear before referee Mike Riley awarded City a free kick.

The incident caused embarrassment for the Arsenal pair.

However, Pires told Canal Plus on Sunday: “We put some humour into soccer, it’s not that bad.

“When I was about to kick the penalty, there was a little moment of panic in my mind.

“However, I thought the referee would ask us to kick it again as the ball was still on the penalty spot.

“Anyway, it makes us laugh now. Especially because we won.”