THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Last updated : 12 August 2002 By editor

Gerrard was the first of six players booked -- including Vieira -- when the England midfielder clattered into the Arsenal captain after just six minutes at the Millennium Stadium.

Wenger, who said he nearly took Vieira off because of the knock, told reporters: 'I think it was a bad challenge i like Gerrard as a player but for that kind of tackle he should have seen red...he's a great player but that tackle was reckless and dangerous.

Wenger acknowledged he had been bracing for a tough game, even though Sunday's clash forms part of the pre-season friendly calendar a week before the start of the premier league season.