Wenger: last four years has been best period

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger believes the last four years have been his best period at the club – even though the Gunners have not landed a trophy in that time.

The North London giants have not claimed any silverware since the 2005 FA Cup but remain regular contenders for domestic and continental glory.

The move to the Emirates Stadium placed a significant strain on the club’s resources, with Wenger’s transfer budget reduced as a result.

And the long-serving French tactician believes that keeping the Gunners among the Premier League’s elite deserves as much respect as adding to their trophy cabinet.

“The last four years have been the most challenging period of my career.

“But it is not linked with not winning a trophy. Moving into a new stadium and keeping the team at the top means, for me, my best period has been in the last four years.’’

Meanwhile the Gunners and Hull are set to be punished for their melee at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.

Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players during the fiery confrontation on Saturday in the Gunners’ 3-0 victory.

A bad-tempered match erupted shortly before half-time when Samir Nasri treaded on the ankle of Hull’s Richard Garcia. Stephen Hunt then clashed with Nasri and a mass confrontation took place with Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia sprinting 100 yards to get involved.

When he got the situation under control, referee Steve Bennett showed a yellow card to Nasri and Hunt but admitted subsequently he had not seen Nasri’s stamp and agreed to examine the TV footage.

But, after reviewing the evidence on Tuesday, Bennett decided no further action was necessary because he could see nothing worthy of a straight red card for violent conduct.

That appeared to the be the end of the matter but the FA have now decided to charge both clubs.

An FA statement read: “The FA has charged Arsenal and Hull City with failing to control their players.

“The charge related to a mass confrontation between players from both sides during the fixture at Emirates Stadium on 19 December. Both clubs have until 13 January to respond.’’