Arsene Wenger "deserves" to win the Champions League with Arsenal this season, according to Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.
The 64-year-old is entering into his 18th year with the Gunners having arrived at the North London outfit in 1996, before leading the club to four FA Cups and three Premier League titles - including an unbeaten season in the 2003-04 campaign.
Wenger fell at the final hurdle in his bid to provide the club with its maiden triumph in Europe's elite competition in 2006 after losing to Barcelona in the final.
Nevertheless, Pardew - who comes up against the former Monaco boss at St James's Park today - claims that a Champions League title would be a fitting addition to the Frenchman's CV.
"I think clubs can learn from Arsenal," he told the club's official website. "What a job Arsene has done. No-one can ever take away from him what he has achieved, especially that 'Invincibles' season.
"I really hope he wins the Champions League this season. I think he deserves it for the career he's had."
Arsenal were paired with defending champions Bayern Munich in the last-16 of the competition for a second year in succession, with the first leg scheduled for February 17 at the Emirates Stadium, before the conclusion of the tie occurs three weeks later.
This afternoon's clash at St James's Park is scheduled to kick off at 1.30pm.
Shane Callaghan
