Bruce bemused by Wenger critics

Steve Bruce: Believes Arsene Wenger has done a fantastic job at Arsenal

Steve Bruce claims criticism of weekend foe Arsene Wenger is 'ridiculous' given all that he has done for Arsenal and English football.

A slow start to the season by the Gunners has seen their manager fall under the spotlight, with his tactics and transfer policy questioned on a regular basis.

Sunderland boss Bruce knows how the Frenchman feels having seen a disappointing opening by his own side come in for scrutiny.

He accepts that disappointing results will always be held under the microscope, but believes the pressure Wenger finds himself under is unjust when you take into account his record with the Gunners.

Ahead of the Black Cats' meeting with Arsenal on Sunday, Bruce said: "Listen, we are all open to criticism because of the job we are doing, but Arsene Wenger and what he has achieved, to criticise him is, for me, ridiculous.

Remarkable

"He has had a poor start for the first time in 20 years, is it? Certainly, he has qualified for Uefa (Cup) or the Champions League in the last 14 or 15 and produced great teams.

"As I have said many times when we have played Arsenal, I think he has been to the detriment of the young British manager because clubs have looked at the job Arsene Wenger has done.

"Let's be fair, it was one of those when he walked in, (people said) 'Arsene who?'

"But certainly, most clubs have then thought, 'Let's go and get the new Arsene Wenger', and there are not many of those around. He's a terrific manager.

"It gives us all hope, I have to say, if we have got the audacity to question Arsene Wenger. What he has achieved there, it's quite remarkable."

Arsenal are renowned for their production and nurture of young talent, but Bruce currently has plenty of promise in his own ranks.

Potential

"It gives us all hope, I have to say, if we have got the audacity to question Arsene Wenger. What he has achieved there, it's quite remarkable."
Steve Bruce Quotes of the week

He may decide to unleash that potential on the Gunners this weekend, with South Korea international Ji Dong-won in line to cover for Nicklas Bendtner - who is ineligible under the terms of his season-long loan from the Emirates.

Asked about Ji's chances of playing, Bruce said: "I have said many, many times, the boy is only 20 years old and he and Connor (Wickham) have been bought for the years ahead for Sunderland.

"He will be a great player for Sunderland, I have no doubt about that, but we must remember that he's 20.

"He's knocking on the door, he has been involved in every game we have played and he will continue to be so.

"He is certainly in my thoughts. I have got to make a decision on who I am going to play."