Fans wanted Cole to stay: Wenger

Arsene Wenger has hailed Ashley Cole’s “fantastic contribution” to Arsenal as the England star prepares to face his old club for the first time since leaving in August.

Cole is expected to line up for Chelsea against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saying Cole must “expect criticism” from the visiting supporters following his controversial switch on transfer deadline day.