GRAEME SOUNESS astonishingly labelled Arsene Wenger “lucky” and “not a football man” in a remarkable rant about the legendary Arsenal manager.
Frenchman Wenger, 74, spent 22 years in North London and is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of the Premier League era.
He won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, while he was also in charge of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles side who did not lose a league game during the 2003/04 season.
Yet despite his huge pedigree, iconic Liverpool midfielder Souness, 71, has disputed his credentials.
The ex-Scotland international was asked on the Three Up Front podcast whether Wenger is a “football man”.
To which he said: “No, not particularly. I’ve been on the bench listening to what he’s telling his players to do. I’ve been working for Sky in games where he’s made very strange decisions.
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“My take on him was he got very, very lucky at a time when French football produced its greatest ever group of players.
“Inherited the best back five in world football and a 22-year-old [Dennis] Bergkamp. I think Wrighty [Ian Wright], there was still life in him.
“And then he had 10 years where he won a couple of FA Cups, because that cycle had been and gone. I’ve never spoke to him about football.
“He would never come into my office after a game, the only manager that never did.
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Arsene Wenger’s major trophies
Arsene Wenger’s trophies as a manager:
- Monaco: Division 1, Coupe de France
- Nagoya Grampus: Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super Cup
- Arsenal: Premier League x3, FA Cup x7
- Individual honours (selected): Premier League Manager of the Season x3, LMA Manager of the Year x2, Premier League Manager of the Month x15, France Football Manager of the Year, English Football Hall of Fame, Premier League Hall of Fame
“I’d go to his office after a game, he would never be there to talk football. I don’t know if he’s a football man or not. I never spoke football with him.”
As well as his two-decade stint at Arsenal, Wenger, who claimed a league title with Strasbourg as a player, also won the French title with Monaco and two cups in Japan with Nagoya Grampus in the early years of his coaching career.
Souness’ trophy haul as a Liverpool player included five league titles and three European Cups.
As a manager, he won three league titles in Scotland and spent three years as Liverpool manager between 1991 and 1994.
His sole trophy in that period was the 1992 FA Cup.
Souness’ only other managerial triumph in England came with Blackburn when they lifted the League Cup in 2002.
He also coached Rangers, Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica and Newcastle.
Reacting to Souness’ comments, one fan replied: “This is absolutely shambolic from Souness.
“Wenger won 3 Premier League titles, 7 FA Cups, went a full season unbeaten and is widely regarded as a revolutionary in the English game. I know Graeme’s keen to have big opinions but do me a favour.”
Another added: “Absolutely embarrassing take.”
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A third said: “Can’t take him seriously ever. Great player. Bad pundit.”
While a fourth responded: “Jealousy at its finest.”
Arsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidence
ARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.
Here’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…
David Raya – 6
A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.
Thomas Partey – 6
Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties.
But he supported Saka at every opportunity.
William Saliba – 6
Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half.
Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.
Gabriel – 6
Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.
Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5
Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.
Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.
Jorginho – 6
Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half.
Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.
Declan Rice – 6
His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.
Raheem Sterling – 7
A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.
Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.
But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.
Bukayo Saka – 9
A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.
The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again.
A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.
Kai Havertz – 8
Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.
Gabriel Jesus – 4
Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.
Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.
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Gabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8
Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question.
His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.
Leandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7
Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.
Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6
A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6
Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.
Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6
Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
