Sam Allardyce enjoyed winding up 'arrogant' Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 13 October 2015

Sam Allardyce accuses Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger of being 'arrogant', and admits that he enjoyed winding him up as Bolton Wanderers boss.

New Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that he enjoyed trying to get under the skin of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whom he has described as 'arrogant'.

The 60-year-old, who was appointed Sunderland boss last week, has spoken of his duals with Wenger during his time at Bolton Wanderers.

In his autobiography, which is being serialised by The Sun, Allardyce claimed that Wenger "hated" his Bolton team because of their ability to frustrate the Frenchman's side.

"There was one time he wouldn't shake hands with me at Highbury because we got a draw," said Allardyce. "I saw him ripping his tie off and throwing it on the floor in anger.

"He takes it all very personally and has an air or arrogance. He's not one for inviting you into his office for a drink after games. He's a fantastic manager, I cannot deny that, but the more I could wind him up, the more I liked it.

"He tried to influence refs through the media and create a perception that we were bullies committing all the fouls, while his team just wanted to play. It seemed he wanted a rule where they should be allowed to do what they wanted with the ball, without us being allowed to tackle them."

Meanwhile, Allardyce will take charge of Sunderland for the first time in Saturday's trip to face West Bromwich Albion.