Committed Wenger calls for respect

ARSENE WENGER is not concerned by the “endless” speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal, but will not accept any “disrespect” directed at his players.

The Gunners boss has already allayed fears he was set to quit Emirates Stadium for Real Madrid following criticism by some supporters in the wake of a fourth campaign without silverware, and looks set to strengthen the squad over the summer.

“I do not want to talk about that (speculation) because that is endless, and I am used to it” said Wenger, whose side face Stoke in the final game of the Barclays Premier League season tomorrow.

“I believe nobody can question my commitment and I have always shown my commitment to this club.’’

However, while the Gunners boss accepts what he sees as constructive criticism, he is not willing to stand idly by and listen to personal attacks on the likes of veteran defender Mickael Silvestre, who was branded a “geriatric” during a heated exchange at a shareholders Q&A.

“There are two things in our job. Criticism I accept with respect. Disrespect I don’t accept and don’t respect,” said Wenger.

“I accept everyone’s opinion, but what was not enjoyable in that meeting was that it was disrespectful to some players and I don’t accept that.’’

The future of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who will miss the Stoke game because of a groin problem, has also been at the centre of much speculation, with both Chelsea and AC Milan said to be considering a £20million (€22.7m) bid. While Wenger accepts things have not exactly gone to plan for the 6ft 3in African – who smashed 30 goals last season before agreeing a lucrative new deal in the summer – the Arsenal manager maintained: “My gut feeling is he will be here. He has a long contract and we want to keep him at the club. I am hopeful I will be able to keep him.”

Meanwhile Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been cleared of allegations he spat at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton after the FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium on March 17, the FA have confirmed.

A statement from the FA read: “The FA can confirm that, at a regulatory commission hearing, two charges of improper conduct against Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas were found not proved.’’

Meanwhile Arsenal took a step closer to lifting the FA Youth Cup after they beat Liverpool 4-1 in tonight’s first leg of the final at Emirates Stadium.

Jack Wilshere set the tone for the evening when he set up Gilles Sunu for the opening goal after 20 minutes.

Wilshere then doubled Arsenal’s lead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour in front of a 33,000-strong crowd.

Liverpool pulled a goal back through Alex Kacaniklic before the break, but the young Gunners took command again following the restart.

Wilshere was again the creator as he played in substitute Sanchez Watt to make it 3-1 on 57 minutes before Emmanuel Thomas headed in a corner to leave Liverpool facing an uphill battle to turn the tie around at Anfield next week.