Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has told Arsene Wenger that the game was more physical in the past than it is today. Arsenal boss Wenger used his programme notes prior to the Gunners' Champions League win over Braga on Wednesday night to criticise Bolton's approach in the sides' Premier League meeting four days earlier.
While careful not criticise Wenger directly, Redknapp suggested the Gunners manager might be overreacting.
"It's just as well he wasn't here in the '60s, really," Redknapp said.
"If he'd have seen some of the tackling that went on in those days, we would have something to worry about.
"The tackling now is nothing to what it was; it was a fierce game.
"I don't have any problems with it (now).
"You always get one or two injuries but, certainly, in the games we've played, we've had no problems.
"We compete, the other teams compete with us.
"You've got to stand up for yourselves.
"We've all had teams that can dish it out a bit. We've all had players, certain players.
"Arsenal, a few years ago: Tony Adams, (Martin) Keown, (Steve) Bould, (Nigel) Winterburn, Lee Dixon, (Patrick) Vieira, (Emmanuel) Petit. That was a very strong, aggressive team - a fantastic team.
"They were great competitors; they had their share of cards, the same as everybody."
Redknapp, whose side host Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, added: "What Arsene's saying is they've had one or two injuries.
"But if people are going for the ball and it's a fair tackle then there's no problem if they're aggressive.
"But if people are trying to hurt someone deliberately then the referees need to clamp down; I'm agreeing with him in that respect."
