Time for teams to behave like champions

Frank Malley

It is a long shot, of course, especially, at a time when Wenger probably has a soft spot in mind for Mr Riley somewhere in the most remote reaches of Hackney marshes.

But if Wenger truly is the cerebral, rational professor of football which his image portrays, then he will see the big picture surrounding the events of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat and not just the apparent foibles of an official who has given Manchester United eight penalties in the last eight matches in which he has officiated at Old Trafford.