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ARSENE WILL TOUGH IT OUT

Arsene Wenger is a lover AND a fighter who will do everything he can to revive Arsenal, says ex-Gunner Kolo Toure

Defender admits the Emirates chief is under pressure this season but says the Frenchman has an amazing attitude

ARSENE WENGER has been saluted as a lover AND a fighter who can beat the pressure and turn Arsenal around.

Former Gunners defender Kolo Toure believes the Arsenal chief matches his deep affection for the club with a grit and hunger that can bring back the good times.

 Arsene Wenger still has all the qualities needed to succeed with Arsenal, says former Gunners defender Kolo Toure
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Arsene Wenger still has all the qualities needed to succeed with Arsenal, says former Gunners defender Kolo ToureCredit: PA:Press Association
 Kolo Toure played under Arsene Wenger for seven years at Arsenal
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Kolo Toure played under Arsene Wenger for seven years at ArsenalCredit: Action Images

Toure, 36, should probably know as he spent seven years with Wenger, including Arsenal's last title success in 2004.

The ex-Liverpool and Manchester City centre-back agrees the Frenchman is again under pressure - perhaps even earlier in the season than usual, because a 4-0 thumping at Liverpool was so dire.

But Toure told Sky Sports News that Wenger has the personal qualities - and the players - to defy the critics once more.

He said: "It's a tough situation because Arsenal haven't won the league for a long time now, even though they've won the FA Cup a few times.

"There's a lot of pressure on Mr Wenger but the thing is Mr Wenger loves Arsenal.

"He's done amazing for the club. He's working with his heart.

 Arsene Wenger is already under pressure this season with the Gunners
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Arsene Wenger is already under pressure this season with the GunnersCredit: Rex Features
 The future of Arsenal frontman Alexis Sanchez is still uncertain despite a deadline-day move to Man City falling through
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The future of Arsenal frontman Alexis Sanchez is still uncertain despite a deadline-day move to Man City falling throughCredit: PA:Press Association

"He's been there so long and, for me, when I was there, we worked very well and won the league.

"That was the best time. Right now it's tough but Mr. Wenger is a fighter."

Question marks hover over Emirates' main man Alexis Sanchez, after a deadline-day move to Manchester City broke down, and another huge wage-earner in Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil.

 Ex-Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure was released by Celtic at the end of last season
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Ex-Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure was released by Celtic at the end of last seasonCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

And Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a regular start this term, got his wish to move with a £35million, eleventh-hour switch to Liverpool.

But Toure said of Arsenal: "They have good young players there, and experienced players. I know the players will fight

"They have to give everything, every day and believe in themselves. There are some really good players there.

"When they are losing, that's when it gets tough. But there are players there that can step up. They are fighters."

 Arsene Wenger still has to sort out the long-term future of players like Mesut Ozil
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Arsene Wenger still has to sort out the long-term future of players like Mesut OzilCredit: EPA


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