Pulis defends players after Wenger attack

Last updated : 05 November 2008 By Richard Murphy
Wenger had blasted the Stoke players, particularly Ryan Shawcross and Rory Delap, after seeing his side lose 2-1 at the Brittania stadium, losing Adebayor, Walcott and Sagna to injury in the process. Wenger labelled the Stoke players "cowards" who had no other intention than to njure the Arsenal players.

Pulis' response was very dignified given the circumstances and pointed out that the only red card was for Van Persie's lunge at Thomas Sorensen and that Adebayor had tackled Shawcross above the waist in the first half. The Stoke manager also insisted that none of his players would play with the intention of hurting others and pointed out that Delap had a recent long period out with a horror injury, so why would he do that to another player.

The other interesting point to note on this issue is that Wenger's comments came three days after the match. When interviewed post match, normally when the managers are at their most hot-headed, Wenger had denied that Stoke had been too physical. It is possible that his comments were provoked after the national media claimed his side were not tough enough.

It remains to be seen if the FA or Stoke take any action against the Arsenal manager.