But Arsene Wenger has now taken things a step further by suggesting that Arsenal are being sabotaged by non-regulation grass length.
Speaking at his weekly press conference before the Gunners' important trip north to face Aston Villa, the Frenchman, who has a reputation for conveniently 'not seeing' any misdemeanours committed by his own team, stated that certain opponents deliberately leave their grass long when teams like Arsenal come to play.
The Premier League rule states that grass must be no longer than 30mm, but Wenger doesn't believe it is being enforced properly and feels referees and officials should be measuring before kick-off.
He said, "It can look a ridiculous subject but it is a very important one because the speed of the game is linked with the length of the grass. People pay money to watch good football and behind that is always the respect for people who pay and buy their tickets. We are all there for that.
"I know perfectly and you know perfectly as well that some managers give orders to their groundsman sometimes to not cut the grass because they play against a team who passes the ball well.
"We have to be above that and it's quite sad that we have to regulate it. I think we all have to serve people who come and watch good football."
- by Jamie Spencer
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