Wenger defends Cole

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains Ashley Cole is “not a dirty player” as the under-fire former Gunners defender prepares to face his old club on Sunday.

England international Cole – who left Arsenal for Chelsea during the summer of 2006 – has been quick to apologise for his horror tackle on Tottenham defender Alan Hutton during Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League game at White Hart Lane.