Wenger stresses need for fair tackles

Posted Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by PA

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains there must always be a place for strong tackles, but only if executed within the spirit of the game.

The Gunners have travelled to Holland for Tuesday night's Champions League Group H clash against AZ Alkmaar without England forward Theo Walcott, who could be missing for up to a month after suffering knee ligament damage following a hefty challenge by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell during Saturday's Barclays Premier League win.

The Gunners boss has reviewed the tackle again, which at the time was not penalised by referee Lee Probert, and accepts it is difficult to gauge true intent.

"It is difficult to see any bad intention there, but still he went well through," said the Arsenal manager.

"I think in the Premier League, you let more go and it is important to let more go than anywhere else in Europe because it makes the games more attractive.

"But you need to keep it going so that everybody plays with the right intention and you do not feel that there is any malice there.

"To get a committed game everybody has to play fair."

Wenger, who recently became Arsenal's longest serving manager, added: "I like the commitment of the English game. I think the superiority of the English game is down to that.

"Players have the feeling they improve in England because there is more commitment and you do not want to take that out of the game."

Czech winger Thomas Rosicky has also stayed behind in London nursing a minor knee problem, but full-back Gael Clichy has shaken off the ankle knock which saw him sit out the Birmingham game.

With two wins already in Group H, the first coming after trailing 2-0 at Standard Liege inside the opening five minutes, Arsenal could all but secure a place in the knockout stages tomorrow night.

Wenger, though, feels it is also his team's hard work when not in possession which has helped their progress.

"If we score goals, it is because we have the ball. To have the ball, you need to defend," he said.

"That is why I believe we have a good team ethic, a good working attitude together.

"We all play on the same wavelength, which is why everybody scores."

AZ boss Ronald Koeman is aware of Arsenal's qualities but he has also noticed weaknesses in Wenger's side.

Having taken in the Gunners' recent 6-2 defeat of Blackburn, former Holland and Barcelona defender Koeman said: "We know Arsenal are very good and we know what we have to do.

"It starts with self-belief. We must be at our best and for them to have an off-day.

"I saw their game against Blackburn and they could have scored 15 times! On the other hand, Blackburn had four excellent chances and scored twice.

"Arsenal, therefore, have defects.

"We must take the initiative, dominate possession and take the chances that come our way."

AZ Alkmaar have picked up just one point from their two games so far in Group H but defender Kew Jaliens remains confident of progression.

"Everything is still possible in our section," said Jaliens.

"I am feeling optimistic. We didn't feel we were the weaker side in the two previous games and we need to prove that in the remaining fixtures. In terms of points it is still completely open.

"You have to give it 100% and see where it takes you.

"You always have to go into a game with a positive attitude."