Arsene Wenger had a valid point when he defended William Gallas following criticism of an apparent aggressive act by the Arsenal defender. A late challenge on the Bolton player Mark Davies during Wednesday's 4-2 win at the Emirates Stadium caused uproar, and yet the incident was not punished by the referee Alan Wiley or the Football Association. When the two sides also met at the Reebok Stadium a week ago, Wenger was surprisingly restrained afterwards when Cesc Fabregas was singled out for some rough treatment. Bruising tackles and intimidation could not stop the Spaniard as he orchestrated a victory.
Wenger said his captain and teammates had "matured" to make them a stronger outfit in the face of bullying tactics from the opposition. That will be a valuable trait if they are to reclaim the Premier League title. Their style needs some steel. "When we get kicked and lose the game, the question I get from the press is, 'Oh, you did not fancy that'. But I like my players to turn up to games and stand up to a physical challenge," said Wenger.
That is something they will have to do at Stoke today in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium last season when the home side's willpower seemed greater. With key men such as Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin likely to start on the bench, it is the kind of game that Sol Campbell might well enjoy for his comeback since re-signing for the Gunners. He was an FA Cup winner with Portsmouth two years ago, but his last appearance for Arsenal was in the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Paris in 2006.
Campbell might be 35, but his experience and leadership could be invaluable. akhan@thenational.ae Stoke v Arsenal, 5.30pm, Aljazeera Sport +5
