Wenger says United chair is out of line

Arsene Wenger responded to the outspoken attack by Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards on referee David Elleray yesterday by declaring that the game cannot survive if the honesty of officials is brought into question.

The Arsenal boss realises that the tension of the title race is bubbling near to boiling point as his side prepares to visit Leeds tonight.

However, he simply cannot accept Elleray's integrity being questioned in the wake of his controversial decisions during United's 2-2 draw at Liverpool last week.

Edwards, who could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute, was reported to have declared: "If Arsenal or Chelsea win the championship, I trust they will strike a commemorative medal for Mr Elleray because he would have done it for them."

Wenger insisted: "Football is only possible if you believe that everybody gives his best and you have confidence in people who are responsible for the game.

"Of course I know things are very important at the moment, but you have to believe that referees and opponents give their best.

"If you start to think that maybe a referee is not 100 per cent, then it's not possible any more."

However, for Arsenal to keep their realistic chances of defending the title very much alive, the Gunners, who trail United on goals scored with two games left, need to beat Leeds tonight.

"Although it is more in our hands now than for a long time, it is still not enough. If the championship stopped today, United would win it," Wenger said.

"We have to be really realistic and just try to win our next game at least. If we can manage that, then things could change very quickly."

Despite fears over the fitness of Ray Parlour, Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp, all three are expected to start at Elland Road, although Bergkamp will first require a test on a slight calf problem.

One potentially unsettling factor has been the constant stream of reports linking striker Nicolas Anelka with a move away from Highbury to a long list of possible destinations.

Wenger admits that he has spoken to Anelka about the stories appearing at such a crucial stage of the season, but says that the young striker is not at fault and that he believes he will still be at the club next season.

"The situation is quite clear. He has four years to go on his contract. Every other approach apart from a direct approach to the club is illegal," Wenger said.

Wenger added: "I personally believe that for his development and career it would be very good that he stays at Arsenal as the club have shown a lot of faith in him and he has developed very well with us.

"I can say football-wise he is happy as he's achieved a lot here and has developed very well."