Rolls Royce Gunners in cruise control as Wenger purrs over his new Bentley

ARSENE WENGER fears Arsenal winger Robert Pires is becoming a marked man by referees because of his reputation for diving.

Pires twice went sprawling on the edge of the penalty area in Arsenal's 4-1 FA Cup fourth round victory against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

However, referee Mike Dean did not give a free-kick, let alone a penalty on either occasion much to Pires's frustration. On the second occasion, the Frenchman did look to have made the most of a slight push by Danny Mills as he cut across him.

Earlier however, Pires looked like he was tripped, albeit accidentally, by Chris Riggott as they chased the ball together.

Wenger is worried Pires has gained a reputation especially after the way he won a penalty against Portsmouth earlier this season despite the faintest of contact with Dejan Stefanovic.

The Arsenal boss declared: "There was a penalty or at least a foul against Robert, which looked obvious on television but it wasn't given.

"He got a bit of a reputation to be a diver after the Portsmouth game but he's not. He didn't get the free-kicks in this game when he deserved them and I hope that's not because of his reputation.

"He just wants to play football. When he goes down and doesn't get a free-kick, he's not happy but he never complains," said Wenger.

Meanwhile, Dennis Bergkamp hailed teenager David Bentley as a special talent as he said that Arsenal's latest young prodigy sparked memories of himself at the same age.

Bentley, 19, has already been compared to Bergkamp due to his natural talent, slight frame and instinctive style of play.

Those comparisons were duly magnified when he produced a sublime lob to score his first senior goal to secure a place in the FA Cup fifth round. "He reminds me of myself in certain decision-taking on the pitch and how to move. When he was controlling the ball, I was thinking 'chip the keeper'," revealed the former Holland international.

"That's what came up in his mind as well. So he's got that football knowledge.

"He can get stronger and develop his pace but there's so much talent there. He can also score goals so he should have a great future."

Bergkamp added: "He's not afraid to do something wrong, that's the main thing for a young player not to have any fear. If you don't try a chip like that, you'll never succeed.

"That was the best piece of advice I ever received, from Johann Cruyff on my debut at Ajax, telling me just to play my own game," said Bergkamp.

Just like Bentley, who was rather pushed off the ball in midweek, Bergkamp also had to develop the physical side of his game as well as living with comparisons with Marco van Basten. Wenger added: "David has a long way to go to match what Dennis has done in his career, but it was a typical Bergkamp goal.

"He's not short of confidence and that's why I was disappointed by his game on Tuesday night as you normally have to calm him down but he played in a rather inhibited way.

"I'm pleased that he showed he's free in his mind to play like he feels football should be played."

Arsenal are finally starting to reveal their rich youth resources, with Wenger looking for more home-produced players to come through.

"It's vital. They are happy where they are and the easiest way to get the spirit and love for the club is through the youth system," he said.

"But we also have foreign players who really feel Arsenal players as we have stability and they care for the club. We have no mercenaries here," said Wenger.