Arsenal memories: 1996

THIS WEEK IN 1996 New Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Ian Wright after the striker netted both goals in a 2-0 win at Blackburn – the Frenchman s first game in charge of his new club. The Gunners climbed above Manchester United into second place as Wr

THIS WEEK IN 1996

New Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Ian Wright after the striker netted both goals in a 2-0 win at Blackburn - the Frenchman's first game in charge of his new club.

The Gunners climbed above Manchester United into second place as Wright's double gave Arsenal their first win at Ewood Park since 1964. Wenger said: "Ian is a player who can catch the moment and score at the right time - that is the quality of the big strikers.

And he also admitted his players are better than he thought they would be: "I am surprised by the good quality of the technique in them. I don't think the technique is lacking, it is rather the pace of the game is very high."

Meanwhile recovering alcoholic Paul Merson confirmed he had split with his wife of 13 years, Lorraine: "I owe her everything," he said, "I don't like this life and God knows Lorraine can't. It's so boring... we have no friends whatsoever, we don't mix with anybody. I can't risk going to a pub or restaurant.