Pires praises 'magic' Wenger

Former Gunners star credits manager

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 29th October 2007

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Wenger: Magician

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Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires has heaped praise on 'magic' manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal have made an unbeaten start to the season in all competitions and returned to the summit of the Premier League on Sunday following the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

The Gunners had been tipped to struggle following the summer departure of Thierry Henry and the inexperience of the young squad assembled by Wenger.

However, Pires - who made 284 appearances for Arsenal before joining Villarreal in 2006 - insists he is not surprised by this season's successful start at Emirates Stadium.

"The club has a magic and it is called Wenger," Pires told Spanish newspaper AS.

Special

"He has a special eye when it comes to young players. He will spot them, guide them and finish by getting them playing at the very highest level.

"The fashionable one now is Cesc Fabregas, but do not forget (Robin) Van Persie, (Emmanuel) Eboue, (Kolo) Toure.

"I was fortunate enough to work with Wenger, who is the ideal coach for a player, allowing you to do what you want on the pitch, expressing what you have inside. He gives you all your confidence.

"To play how they want to do at Arsenal, Arsene is unique; simple football, fast, looking for goal all the time.

"The fans like it. For enjoyment, there is nobody like Wenger. He is unique."