Sam Allardyce has denied ever disrespecting Arsene Wenger ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Sunderland on Saturday but did admit that he likes winding the Frenchman up.

That’s funny, because I distinctly remember Big Sam labeling Wenger as ‘arrogant’ in his recent autobiography. He also claimed that the Gunners’ boss is a bad loser and marked him down for not inviting him for a drink after a game.

Now, the Black Cats’ boss is claiming that although he loves taking a cheap shot at Wenger (my words, not his), he’d never intentionally disrespect him because he’s a great manager. What a shocking turn of events…

Speaking ahead of our clash, Allardyce said, “I have had some good fun with him. Those early days were years and years ago and it’s been much more amicable, our meetings, not just on match days, but also off the field when we have bumped into each other.”

He added, “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.”

I’m not entirely sure what Sam counts as being disrespectful because having a chunk of your book dedicated to slating Arsene doesn’t sound very respectful to me.

Could this be a change of tactics for the Sunderland manager? Kill him with kindness? Who knows.