Everton boss David Moyes has leapt to the defence of Saturday evening's visitors Blackburn after Arsene Wenger accused them of being violent.
Arsenal boss Wenger's outburst against Mark Hughes' men came after his side's 1-1 draw at Ewood Park last weekend.
Asked about Wenger's gripe against Rovers, he said: "I saw how well Blackburn played against Arsenal last Sunday, and I know this will be a tough game.
"We need to respond after losing at Reading, there were no excuses there, we didn't play as well as we should have done.
"I'm not sure we deserved to lose that game, but we did not deserve any more than a point and we can do much better than that.
"I have never found any problem with the way Blackburn or Mark Hughes' teams play. In fact, I believe Blackburn play some very good football.
"They have been landed with the wrong sort of title. I see Blackburn a good deal, I live pretty near them so I know about them.
"They are being given the wrong image. There is nothing in the rules that says you cannot be tough and committed.
"It is very much part of the game, especially in this country. Supporters like to see a good old-fashioned tackle as they like to see a good pass.
"It is very much part of the way we do it here. I want that aggression and passion from my players. I would not want it any other way.
"I do not see Blackburn as being any more committed or tough than any other team we play this season."
