Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was surprised by Tottenham's dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas. Spurs made seven new signings and lost star player Gareth Bale in a transitional summer yet sacked Villas-Boas on Monday with the club seventh in the Premier League.

Wenger said: "If you look purely at the mathematical problem, yes I was surprised, because he has the highest percentage rate of wins historically at the club.

"Is it an internal problem with relationship with his chairman or with the board? I don't know. Is it an emotional reaction to a big defeat at home? I hope not because that would not be a good sign. I don't know but I was surprised, yes.

"You need time, yes. Look, when I said to you at the beginning of the season that when you sign more than three players you take a technical risk, you were all laughing at me but it is a reality.

"There is for sure a difference of philosophy [between Arsenal and Tottenham]. Both can work. I am not a specialist of Tottenham at all. I am just focused on doing things right for my club."