Wenger full of praise for ‘hungry’ Pires as title race hots up

IN every great race there is a defining moment and, in this season’s Premiership title chase, it just might turn out to be the sidefoot goal from Robert Pires deep in injury time.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger applauded Pires for his “hunger” after missing six months with the cruciate ligament damage suffered last March He also added a tribute to Arsenal’s “mental strength” and “will to win”.

And, for all the talk of Henry’s brilliance, Dennis Bergkamp’s guile and Patrick Vieira’s inspiration, it was that flashback to Arsenal’s more pragmatic past which was the architect of what could turn out to be their most important victory of the season.