Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that he cannot understand any criticism that is levelled at under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman has come under intense pressure this season after the Gunners endured their worst start to a top-flight league season for 32 years.

The vitriol from the fanbase reached boiling point after this month's defeat at Stoke City, where Wenger was subjected to expletive-laden abuse from Arsenal fans as he boarded a train.

Redknapp comes up against the 65-year-old - who arrived in North London in 1996 - on Friday when Rangers travel to the Emirates, and the R's boss believes that Wenger deserves respect.

"I can't believe why Arsene Wenger would get any stick," he told reporters. "Arsenal are a good side and I still think they will finish in the top four.

"I can't see them being out the four, they do it every year and I don't see why they won't do it again this year.

"They have excellent players and they have had lots of injuries to key players. They have pace, movement and passing. They are a good team to watch."

Arsenal, who have never finished outside the top four in Wenger's 18-year reign, currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.