Source: Daily_Mail
Stoke kill the skill! Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accuses Potters of turning football into rugby
Arsene Wenger last night took apotshot at Stokeand accused themof reducing thegame to a battle of thebullies. [LNB]Arsenal may have negotiatedtheir first two Premier Leaguegames without major incident,but their manager has a historyof bitter clashes with TonyPulis's side and claims they areforcing the skill out of theBarclays Premier League. [LNB]'I saw some pictures and youcannot say any more it is football,'said Wenger afterwatching Tottenham's 2-1 win atStoke. [LNB]GRAHAM POLL: There's nothing wrong with using your physical presence in the box, Arsene Bad boys: Wenger has had a go at Ryan Shawacross (left) and Robert Huth (right)[LNB]'It is rugby on the goalkeepersmore than football. Thereferees cannot go on and acceptthat. When you see how (Ryan)Shawcross kicked (Heurelho)Gomes, how (Robert) Huthpushed Gomes in the goal, youcannot say that is footballany more. [LNB]'If the referees allowthat, you cannotaccept it becausethat has nothing todo with the game.' [LNB]Shawcross wasnot accused ofcausing physicalharm to Spurs' playersin their game onSaturday, but thedefender madethe challengewhich leftArsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey withhis right leg broken in two placesin February. [LNB]The 19-year-old is still recoveringand that incident, followingon from at least one other fiercelyfought Arsenal game at theBritannia Stadium, sparkedWenger's anger. [LNB]And, with histeam preparing to deal withanother clash of cultures againstBlackburn tomorrow, a subtextto the Frenchman's outburstemerges. [LNB] Look away, now: Ryan Shawcross's horror tackle on Aaron Ramsey left the Arsenal star with a sickening broken leg[LNB]He said: 'I believe everybodylooks at his squad and tries tofind a way where the game ismost efficient and we developedone way. [LNB]'I respect every otherway as long as the referees getthe rules respected.' [LNB]Chris Foy is due to take chargeof Arsenal's game at Ewood Parktomorrow lunchtime and will bevery much in the spotlight aswill the treatment that goalkeeperManuel Almunia isgiven. [LNB]Wenger added: 'Yes, it isdown to the referee. Ibelieve that in some situationsthe goalkeepers arenot protected.'You cannot have playerswhose main role is to stopthe goalkeepers from catchingthe ball or going for theball.' [LNB]Decision time: Gunners boss Arsene Wenger [LNB]Arsenal 's goal -keeping situationremainsunresolved andthe manager insisted he had faith in those inhis squad, even though he wantsto sign a replacement.But he has completed a£3.2million deal with Sevilla forSebastien Squillaci. [LNB]The Francecentre back will not be availableto face Blackburn whenLaurent Koscielny will return but Wenger is confident he canhelp stand up to the bullies forthe rest of the season. [LNB]He said: 'We needed a centreback of quality and experience ifpossible, and at the right price he was all of that. [LNB]'He's a real defender and isgood in the one-against-ones,good in the air and can scoregoals from set-pieces as well. Ibelieve he will be suited to theEnglish game.' [LNB]Squillaci's signing represents achange of policy for Wenger, whohas previously been reticentabout signing players who areover 30.Arsenal have seldom paid a feefor one but Squillaci, 30, hasbucked the trend by securing athree-year contract.[LNB] The managersaid: 'The policy is not over30, it is over 32, but it dependson the position. [LNB]'I have found the transfer marketincredibly difficult. It is thefirst year I've felt exasperated. [LNB]'The clubs who had playersdidn't want to sell and thereforethere was no movement. [LNB]'I don't know if it's the 25-playersquad rule. Is it the moneysituations? Just no movement.It's dead.'[LNB] CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW: Tottenham land holders Inter Milan while Manchester United and Rangers face Battle of BritainWenger wants Arsenal to put Euro new boys Spurs in their placeArsenal finally confirm signing of French international defender Squillaci[LNB] [LNB]
