Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he wasn't being "polite" in praising Middlesbrough rival Gareth Southgate ahead of yesterday's shock defeat on Teesside.

He said: "I was not being polite. I think he is dealing well with a situation in crisis. When you are a young manager it is not easy. But it is when things go well. I have told you many times I seem to have more confidence in the English managers than you do. That is why I believe he is one of the managers who can make a big career."