Wenger certain Shawcross won't need bodyguards at the Emirates

Category: Football

Publish Date: 12-16-2010 02:40 PM -0500

Saturday will mark Stoke's first visit to Emirates Stadium since Ryan Shawcross snapped Arsenal prodigy Aaron Ramsey's leg with a horrendous challenge at Britannia Stadium back in February. And while fury over the incident still simmers among Arsenal fans, Arsene Wenger is fairly certain Shawcross won't need his own personal militia to protect him during the match.

From the Guardian:

Asked whether Shawcross would need extra protection at the weekend, Wenger said: "I can reassure you that will not be needed.

"What happened in the past, happened in the past. We have come out on that – I don't think there is any need to add any fuel on it and just focus on playing football as we always do and respecting our opponents.

"What is important is we want to see a football game where both teams play good football. It is Arsenal against Stoke. Every game is different and it is a new start.

"We do not have any preconceived ideas before the game happens on any individual. We want to win the game, focus on it and respect our opponent as we always do."

The good news for vengeance seekers, however, is that Arsenal are third to last in the fair play table with 32 yellow cards and four reds. So there's a pretty good chance they'll get a few shots in at Shawcross just by playing as they would normally.

Still, tensions should be eased by the fact that Ramsey, who is on loan at Nottingham Forest, will not be around. Unless, of course, he makes a surprise appearance with his friend the Benny the ball-peen hammer.

Photo: Getty Images

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