Arsene Wenger Better Than Jose Mourinho, Arsenal Fans Slammed by Alan Pardew

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes criticism of Arsene Wenger is "totally disrespectful."

The Magpies boss, who takes his improving side to the Emirates on Saturday, also believes his Gunners opposite is the "second best manager in Premier League history," saying, "Jose (Mourinho) hasn't done enough yet" to topple him, as reported by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.

Wenger was recently verbally abused by fans at a train station following defeat against Stoke, an incident Pardew condemned, before highlighting his admiration for the Arsenal tactician, as noted in Hope's report: 

"

The incident at the train station was totally disrespectful. I think 99 per cent of Arsenal fans would have been ashamed of that and we could get the backlash of it. They will want to show how much they love him.

That stadium should be named after him. The job he did in that move across (from Highbury), when they had all that debt and he had to be very careful with the transfer budget—it was a miracle that he kept them in the Champions League.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

The occurrence in question can be seen below (language NSFW):

This also follows the appearance of an anti-Wenger banner, which away fans continue to unfurl away from north London. Originally spotted during victory over West Brom, one supporter highlighted the sign was also taken to Turkey ahead of Arsenal's match with Galatasaray:

"

'The Banner' on tour in Istanbul last night #WengerOut #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/AuAGi3ZFNI

— L•I•AM G © (@DeejayDt) December 10, 2014"

Pardew is perhaps an unlikely ally for Wenger. The pair famously clashed when he celebrated Marlon Harewood's winning goal while manager of West Ham in 2006, a moment which saw Wenger shove his opponent on the touchline. Pardew was keen to stress the public perception that they share a difficult relationship is wrong, however.

"I've had one run-in with Arsene, but otherwise he's been fantastic," said the Newcastle man, per Hope. "I have nothing but respect for him and I've always enjoyed watching his teams."

Pardew's criticism of Arsenal fans follows in the footsteps of many. Although it must be stressed only a small portion of supporters have acted against Wenger so publicly, there's certainly a sense that his long-term future will be considered if Arsenal fail to improve on their current standing of sixth in the Premier League.

Phil Cole/Getty Images

Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey believes Wenger is the subject of "unfair criticism," as reported by Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph. It is Ramsey and the Arsenal squad who will ultimately decide Wenger's fate, so support from inside the club is vital.

Iain Macintosh of ESPN FC believes Wenger could learn from Pardew, a man who has "few equals" when it comes to dealing with pressure from fans. He appeared on the brink of being sacked earlier in the season, but just one loss in their last 10 matches has seen Newcastle match Arsenal on points. Macintosh described how Pardew's example should be followed:

"

When the pressure on Pardew grew and the eyes of football were upon him, he kept his head. He didn't lash out and he stopped making the excuses that had undermined him in previous weeks. Accordingly, the tone of reporting shifted and he was increasingly characterised in the press as a decent man doing a difficult job.

"

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

He said Wenger "is already accustomed to doing this, but he would do well to maintain that demeanour" going forward. It's certainly vital the Frenchman keeps his cool, as an outburst or lack of tact would likely see sympathy turn to irritation.

It goes without saying that Wenger must gain Champions League qualification for Arsenal next season. Failure to do so would end a consecutive appearance streak which currently stands at 17 years in the competition—a symbol of Wenger's consistency—meaning his final claim to the job would be destroyed. Pardew is perhaps one of the men who could break this run, starting with victory at the Emirates.