Game needs tough tackles, says Wenger

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger maintains there must always be a place for strong tackles, but only if executed within the spirit of the game.

The Gunners have travelled to Holland for tonight’s Champions League Group H clash against AZ Alkmaar without England forward Theo Walcott, who could be missing for up to a month after suffering knee ligament damage following a hefty challenge by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell during Saturday’s Premier League win.

The Gunners boss has reviewed the tackle again, which at the time was not penalised by referee Lee Probert, and accepts it is difficult to gauge true intent.