Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke ‘bullied’ the Gunners during Arsene Wenger’s reign

Jon Walters admits Stoke were always deliberately aggressive against Arsenal – because they knew Arsene Wenger ‘hated’ facing them.

Stoke’s ultra-physical tactics and Wenger’s complaints and the Ryan Shawcross tackle that broke Aaron Ramsey’s leg have helped create a genuine rivalry between the two sides.

The Gunners traditionally struggled at the bet365 Stadium, from the Potters’ promotion in 2008 until their relegation last season – and Walters, the former Stoke winger, claims to know why.

“We used to bully Arsenal. We knew they didn’t like coming,” he told talkSPORT.

Walters says Stoke enjoyed playing Arsenal

“There was a bit with Arsene Wenger and the crowd. The atmosphere was like nothing else.

“The Stoke fans were really up for it, they generated a great noise and Arsenal hated coming to the Britannia.

“First challenge, I’d win the ball but I’d go right through whoever I was pressing against.

“We used to not let teams out. If they wanted to play out we’d set it up so they could play out to the centre-half, but I would full-on sprint, everyone would be behind me and that just gets the crowd going.

“Once we got the crowd going, they were on the back foot.”

Another former Stoke man, Dave Kitson, previously told talkSPORT that Stoke’s excessive aggression against Arsenal directly led to Ramsey’s horror injury in February 2010.

Ramsey suffered a horror injury after a challenge by Shawcross

He said: “We crossed the line because we went hell for leather to try and win that game and be aggressive, which was a reflection of the way Tony [Pulis] wanted us to play.

“We didn’t go out to break anyone’s leg. We did go out to be physical and in that game we crossed the line.”

Six months after that incident, Wenger took aim at Pulis’ tactics and labelled Stoke a ‘rugby team’.

LIVE ON talkSPORT

talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...

Charlton vs Doncaster (Friday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2

Manchester City vs Watford (Saturday, 5pm) – talkSPORT

“We’d laugh about that,” Walters added.

“No one goes out to deliberately injure anyone. Yeah, you’d have a firm tackle and get stuck in, you knew the Arsenal players were wilt.

“But saying we were a rugby team?”

7.30pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ozil wants to see out contract, Kenny Lala, Ramsey has played final game. thesun.co.uk - Joshua Jones. ARSENAL are gearing up for one of their biggest weeks of the season yet. Following thrashings at Leicester and Wolves, the Gunners face Valencia and …
The Latest Arsenal News (Talk Sport) | SportSpyder

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign Wenger only won twice in twelve attempts at the bet365 Stadium - and famously criticised the
Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the
sports.froodl.com/football/english-premier-league/arsenal-news-jon-walters-explains-how-stoke-bullied-the-gunners-during-arsene-wengers-reign/
Jon Walters admits Stoke were always deliberately aggressive against Arsenal - because they knew Arsene Wenger 'hated' facing them. Stoke's ultra-physical tactics and Wenger's complaints and the Ryan Shawcross tackle that broke Aaron Ramsey's leg have helped create a genuine rivalry between the two sides.
Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'b | SportSpyder

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the

Arsenal are interested in signing Andre Gomes this summer, according to sources from ESPN FC.. The Barcelona midfielder has been on a season long loan at Everton.The ESPN report says that Director of Football Raul Sanllehi is a big fan of his, initially helping sign the player at Barcelona from Valencia.

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign talkSPORT - 17 May 2019 Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger only won twice in twelve attempts at the bet365 Stadium - and famously criticised Stoke for their style of play. More
7.30pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ozil wants to see out

11.30am Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Van de Beek battle with Spurs, Ramsey's tearful farewell, Monreal dive s. thesun.co.uk - Samuel Street. ARSENAL'S top four bid was all but ended after they suffered a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton. The Gunners must now beat Burnley on the last day and …
Arsene Wenger: Former Arsenal boss drops AC Milan - dofaq.co

Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he is ready to take a new role in football - but admits for the first time he might not return to management. BBC News 39 minutes ago: Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign
Aaron Ramsey sends message to Arsenal supporters about Arsene

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 17 May Jon Walters admits Stoke were always deliberately aggressive against Arsenal - because they knew Arsene Wenger 'hated' facing them.
Arsene Wenger: Ex-Arsenal boss 'might not return to

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 10h Jon Walters admits Stoke were always deliberately aggressive against Arsenal - because they knew Arsene Wenger 'hated' facing them.
Arsenal linked with Andre Gomes - Fussboll

Arsenal news: Jon Walters explains how Stoke 'bullied' the Gunners during Arsene Wenger's reign Jon Walters admits Stoke were always deliberately aggressive against Arsenal - because they knew Arsene Wenger 'hated' facing them. Stoke's talkSPORT 1 week ago Also reported by •Daily Star
Flipboard: 11.30am Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Van de Beek

Pages

FIFA Premium Football Live

Labels