Wenger congratulates Spurs on romp
442 Staff - Wednesday 25 November 2009, 16:42
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised local rivals Tottenham Hotspur following their 9-1 demolition of Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
The 9-1 rout of the Latics was the biggest win in Spurs’ Premier League history, second only to Manchester United's 9-0 stuffing of Ipswich Town in 1995 in the all-time record books.
While striker Jermain Defoe plundered five second-half goals for Harry Redknapp's side, becoming only the third man to bag a quintet in a match after Andrew Cole (against Ipswich) and Alan Shearer, in an 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1999.
Spurs, with eight wins from 13, currently sit fourth in the standings, level on points with arch rivals Arsenal.
And Emirates Stadium supremo Wenger was quick to hail the nine-goal show from Redknapp's men.
"It’s a fantastic achievement for them," he said.
"You feel sorry for Wigan because this year they have shown quality. They’ve gone from being able to beat Chelsea to conceding many goals.
"They’ve gone with a manager who wants to play, which I find very good. Sometimes, though, it can work against you."