Wenger: I haven't fallen out with Sam

Arsene Wenger said today he holds no grudges against Sam Allardyce following the controversial build-up to last season's match between Arsenal and Bolton.

On the eve of a game that was vital for both clubs, as Bolton battled against relegation and Arsenal pursued the title, Allardyce accused Wenger's side of being over-physical and said he hoped his players would be given adequate protection.

It was a tactic that clearly irritated Arsenal at the time - particularly as it was they who suffered from two controversial tackles that effectively ruled Freddie Ljungberg and Lauren out of key games in the championship run-in.

Arsenal also lost Pascal Cygan to a calf strain as they squandered a two-goal lead and were held to a 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium.

But Wenger said: "I have no resentment from what happened last year. It is a memory as far as I am concerned. As I recall, we were unlucky not to win. I wasn't bothered so much by what happened before the game but we lost two players through tackles and there was lenient refereeing.

"I think you can only look forward. We are on a good run and we want to keep that going. We can't change what happened last season. We didn't lose the championship on one game. It was an important game, but we lost it at Blackburn and at Everton. We could have been secure in the league before we played Bolton."