West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson believes criticism earlier this season would have hurt Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.

The Emirates boss is on a high after eight wins in 10 matches.

Hodgson said: "The criticism would've hurt him because a lot of it would've been unfair.

"I'm sure Arsene would have known although they've had a bad start it's not the criticism in September that counts, but in May.

"He wouldn't have liked it though - no one does. Some people are better at hiding their feelings.

"But most proud men in their private moments admit they don't like it.

"That's why they work bloody hard to avoid it by doing a good job to keep the criticism at bay."