Kenny Vs Wenger

Arsenal v Liverpool FC preview: Kenny Dalglish praises under-fire Arsene Wenger ahead of Emirates showdown


THEIR last encounter ended in an infamous finger-jabbing, arm waving, sweary spat on the Emirates touchline.

But Kenny Dalglish has jumped to the defence of beleaguered Arsene Wenger as the two veteran managers lock horns once again this afternoon.

While Liverpool have enjoyed a summer of a new arrivals and new momentum, the opposite at Arsenal has left Wenger feeling the heat for perhaps the first time during his trophy-laden 15-year tenure at the club.

The long-anticipated departure of skipper Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona eventually transpired this week, while Samir Nasri is expected to leave for Manchester City shortly.

Having stuttered to a controversial opening-day goalless draw at Newcastle United – leading to suspensions this afternoon for the sole major summer arrival, Gervinho, and Alex Song – the debate is already raging whether Wenger, six years without silverware, should move on.

For Dalglish, it’s nonsense. “There's other countries where the manager could have gone in pre-season! You're not safe are you?” says the Liverpool manager.

“You just have to get on with it. There's plenty of stories that don't make sense, of managers losing their jobs, the timing of it and the length of time they've been in it.

“Arsene has had some criticism recently, but it's very seldom that managers are praised. He has been fantastic for that football club. That doesn't exempt you from criticism, but it's something people should remember.


“He has always been a fantastic seller of players. Petit, Overmars, Henry, Vieira, Anelka. He has sold brilliantly.

“He has also got the best value for his club when they needed help financially. If Arsene was good for them then, plus he was bringing in trophies, then the only thing missing now is the trophies. “

Of course, Wenger is in danger of being damned by his own words. Last month, the Frenchman declared that when a team starts selling its best players, it can no longer be seen as a big club.