Middlesbrough boss Steve Agnew has sympathy for Arsenal rival Arsene Wenger going into tonight's clash.

Wenger and his side will arrive at Middlesbrough on Monday evening scrapping to keep themselves in the race for a top-four finish, having slipped nine points adrift of Liverpool with two games in hand over the weekend.

Agnew, who desperately needs a first victory of his fledgling reign against Arsenal, said: "Absolutely. The game is results-driven, we all know that, and he's had 20 years at Arsenal, which is an amazing achievement.

"Of course they're in a difficult moment, certainly away from home. But they have got top-quality players throughout the team, so we have no doubt it will be a really, really difficult game.

"It is a challenge because he's got top, top players through the squad. It's full of internationals and Arsene Wenger, in my opinion, is one of the most talented coaches there's been around for many years.

"Of course it's a challenge, but one I am very much looking forward to."