Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has hailed the achievements of Arsene Wenger during his tenure at Arsenal, claiming that the club should rename their stadium after the Frenchman.

The Magpies head into this weekend's meeting with the Gunners having won just one of their last 14 meetings between the pair, a run which includes five losses on the bounce.

Ahead of the match, Pardew was keen to praise his opposite number, claiming that under-fire Wenger has done an "unbelievable job" since taking over 18 years ago.

"Arsenal has not been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years," he told reporters. "The games at St James' Park have been tight and we hope this one is too.

"Arsene Wenger has done an unbelievable job at Arsenal and in some ways their stadium should be named after him."

Newcastle are currently seventh in the Premier League table, level on points with Arsenal who occupy sixth place.

Written by
Daniel Lewis