Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam revels in outwitting Wenger
Sam Allardyce took great delight in getting the better of Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger in Blackburn's 2-1 win at Ewood Park on Monday.[LNB] Allardyce targeted goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianksi from set-pieces by crowding players into the six-yard area.[LNB]Wenger called the tactic "unfair" but the Rovers boss felt he was fully justified, considering the Poland international's history of being susceptible under pressure.[LNB]It paid off as both Blackburn's goals came from corners when Fabianski failed to deal with Morten Gamst Pedersen's delivery; David Dunn tapping in the first from close range before Chris Samba headed in from barely three yards.[LNB]That was after Robin van Persie's first goal since October 31, having been sidelined for five months with an ankle injury, had given the Gunners a 14th-minute lead.[LNB]"He is entitled to his opinion. Whatever has happened between us in the past, and it has been a little frosty on occasions, I have always respected him as a manager," said Allardyce of Wenger.[LNB]"He is a terrific manager and what he has done for Arsenal is magnificent but we can't play like them so we didn't.[LNB]"We set out to spoil them and the spoiling tactics worked.[LNB]"They (Arsenal) are one of the big four and when you are beating one of them it is not expected.[LNB]"Then it is a bit of emotion after the game that they are upset about something which has not gone their way.[LNB]"But I can assure you that most of the time, throughout the season, the 'big boys' get the rub of the green more than the likes of Blackburn Rovers.[LNB]"That is not done on purpose by the officials it is just a psychological problem they have because they are human beings and the pressure they get put under turns them that way slightly.[LNB]"We all know that and we have to live with that."[LNB]Wenger, who refused to blame Fabianski, criticised referee Martin Atkinson for not providing more protection for his goalkeeper.[LNB]"There is no purpose to play the ball from the Blackburn players - they don't even watch the ball," he said.[LNB]"He (Fabianski) had two players in front of him all the time and every time it was to stop him getting the ball.[LNB]"In football when you don't go for the ball and you stop the keeper going for the ball it is a foul.[LNB]"I think the referee cannot allow that. I am very disappointed the referee lets that happen in a football game, it is unfair to a goalkeeper.[LNB]"They (Blackburn) do it well but when you feel that as a referee you have to give more protection.[LNB]"It doesn't take away the fact we weren't good but that is completely unfair."
