Gunners ‘crumble’, insists Hunt

ARSENAL may have beaten Aston Villa yesterday but Hull City midfielder Stephen Hunt has dismissed their hopes of winning a first title since 2004.

Hunt’s remarks came at the end of week which saw the Tigers and the Gunners charged by the FA for failing to control their players following a melee during last weekend’s ill-tempered clash at the Emirates.

The confrontation was sparked by Samir Nasri threading on the ankle of Tigers midfielder Richard Garcia as the visitors contested a free-kick decision late in the first half, with Hunt and Nick Barmby squaring up to the Frenchman as players from both sides piled into the ruck.

Despite that incident, Hunt claimed that, unlike defending champions Manchester United, who Hull lost 3-1 at home to yesterday, the Gunners ‘‘crumble’’ when the going gets tough.

“Arsenal have a reputation now,’’ Hunt said over the weekend. “If you get at them, they crumble. Manchester United don’t have that.

“People like Wayne Rooney will kick you back and that’s the way it should be. Manchester United have that edge. They give as good as you get and sometimes Arsenal don’t.

“They have world-class players. I don’t know why United have won the league these last three years instead of Arsenal. Maybe Arsene Wenger could tell you that.’’

Reflecting on the incident that has landed Hull and Arsenal in hot water, Hunt pointed the finger firmly at Arsene Wenger’s side.

He said: Nothing would have happened if (Samir) Nasri didn’t do it. It’s as simple as that.”