Arsene Wenger ‘not aware’ of fans fighting at Manchester City match and praises Arsenal’s 'outstanding' support

Arsene Wenger hailed Arsenal’s support in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City as “absolutely outstanding” despite the growing hostility in the fanbase.

For the fourth game in succession Arsenal supporters protested against Wenger before the match, with a van bearing the slogan “In Wenger We Rust” parked outside the Emirates Stadium ahead of kick-off by a group known as the No New Contract Movement.

Videos on social media also appeared to show Arsenal fans fighting among themselves before, during and after the match, in which Wenger’s side twice came from a goal down to secure a point

Inside the stadium the atmosphere was less mutinous than it has been in recent games and Wenger credited the fans with playing their part in Arsenal’s battle to overcome their recent adversity.

Asked by Standard Sport about the fighting outside and inside the ground Wenger said: “I’m not aware of what happened.

“What is important in football is what happens inside the pitch and inside the stadium. I feel the fans were absolutely outstanding today.”

Wenger added: “Despite all what happens on the fans front, I felt out fans were fantastic today.

“In very difficult moments in the game I felt that our fans - at 1-0 down, at 2-1 down - could have turned against us. I think they were absolutely sensational and helped the team to get through those difficult moments.”