Arsene Wenger "surprised" by Andre Villas-Boas sacking

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he was "surprised" that Andre Villas-Boas was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese was axed on Monday following his side's 5-0 defeat to Liverpool that left them in seventh place in the Premier League, eight points off the Gunners in first.

Wenger told the club's official website: "Look, if you look purely at the mathematical problem, yes [it is a surprise]. Because he has the highest percentage rate of wins historically at the club.

"Is it an internal problem with his relationship with his chairman or with the board? I don't know. Is it an emotional reaction to a big defeat at home? I hope not because that would not be a good sign. I don't know but I was surprised, yes."

Wenger is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League having been at the club since 1996.