Sam Allardyce: 'No problem with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger anymore'

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has insisted that his feud with Arsene Wenger is a thing of the past ahead of Saturday's visit to Arsenal.

There has been little love lost between the pair in a conflict that started when Allardyce managed Bolton Wanderers, with Wenger accusing him of adopting overly physical tactics against his side.

In October, the 60-year-old revealed in his autobiography that he loved winding up the "arrogant" Frenchman, but the Black Cats manager insists that their relationship is "amicable" these days.

"I have had some fun with him," Allardyce told a press conference. "Those early days were years and years ago and it's been much more amicable, our meetings, not just on matchdays, but also off the field when we have bumped into each other.

"But I have always had a huge amount of respect for Arsene and his quality as a manager. Winding-up became a procedure that we all use if and when we feel it necessary.

"I have always thought he is a fantastic manager and he's done a fantastic job. I might have wound him up a time or two, but never disrespected him."

During his time with the Trotters, Allardyce won four and drew six of his 16 meetings with Wenger's Arsenal.