Source: Team_Talk
Wenger: Long throws are unfair
The Arsenal boss witnessed his side torn apart by two Rory Delap deliveries in their visit to Stoke last season, when the former Republic of Ireland international set up both goals in the then-newly promoted side's 2-1 win.[LNB]It was a tactic which made a large contribution to Stoke's survival.[LNB]But as the Frenchman prepares his Arsenal team to play top-four rivals Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday - on an expansive pitch which reduces the threat of long throw-ins - the 60-year-old suggested kick-ins would allow the game to flow better.[LNB]He told the club's official website: "(The rule I would change would be) maybe to play throw-ins by foot. Why not? I think it would make the game quicker."[LNB]Wenger believes the advantage gained by teams possessing long-throw specialists is unfair.[LNB]"For example at Stoke, for Rory Delap it is like kicking the ball," he added.[LNB]"It is a little bit of an unfair advantage. He is using a strength that is usually not a strength in football."[LNB]Radical though it sounds, Wenger insists the suggestion would not be the most revolutionary change to the game as football evolved to its current format.[LNB]"Football is the most popular team game in the world and one day some crazy guy said 'we don't use the hands'," added the manager.[LNB]"How could you have imagined on that day a game that is completely natural to play with your hands would become the most popular sport?"[LNB]Wenger has the more pressing concern of facing Villa on Sunday as Arsenal seek to build on their four-match unbeaten league run.[LNB]Captain Cesc Fabregas' participation against the visitors, who have won all of their last four and are unbeaten in seven league games, is in doubt due to a hamstring problem.[LNB]The Spain international has been missing since the December 16 draw at Burnley and withdrew from training on Thursday due to the problem.[LNB]"There is still an uncertainty about him," said Wenger.[LNB]"He was supposed to practice on Christmas Eve but he still had some pain in his leg.[LNB]"We did not get him out so we still don't know if he will be available for the squad or not. It is 50-50.[LNB]"He is a very influential player and a great player too so I want him to be with us."[LNB]Fabregas' absence would add to a lengthy injury list.[LNB]Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Robin van Persie (ankle) remain out, along with full-back Gael Clichy (back) and Johan Djourou (knee).[LNB]However, there is good news for Wenger with Armand Traore ready to return after his hamstring problem.[LNB]"Compared to the game against Hull we have Traore available again," added Wenger.[LNB]"But he is the only one back."[LNB][LNB] Arsenal v Aston Villa. Click here to bet.
