Pot Kettle

It is, apparently, open season on Arsene Wenger – something for which many managers, anxious for anything which might deflect attention from their own problems and inadequacies, will be grateful.

But that temporary immunity from criticism is not enough for a minority of them, who have actually joined in the media frenzy against the Gunners boss. Take Mark Hughes for instance, whose side somehow squeezed through a one sided game at Ewood Park to book an improbable place in the F.A. Cup quarter final, courtesy of a last gasp wonder strike from Benni McCarthy.

According to the Daily Mail, Hughes “has claimed his Arsenal counterpart is making a mistake by questioning match officials” and Blackburn’s manager is quoted as saying: “I’m not sure where Wenger is coming from. I’m sure they make decisions with honesty and integrity and if you suggest they don’t, you’re undermining the whole F.A. process.”

Coming from Mark Hughes, that is rich. At every Blackburn game he can be observed in the technical area, grey haired, grim faced and snarling, railing against every decision one of these upright officials dares to give against his team.

And if he can’t see the irony – or should that be hypocrisy – in his criticism of the Arsenal manager, it’s not surprising he is obliged to confess “I’m not sure where Wenger is coming from.”

Those who may doubt these reservations about Hughes will have the opportunity to test them in the forthcoming Lancashire derby – Bedrock Wanderers v Roughouse Rovers. On this occasion he will be opposed by the self-appointed ‘pound for pound’ best manager in the Premiership, Sam Allardyce. It should be a snarl a minute, but lovers of the beautiful game are not encouraged to view.