Arsene Wenger wants Tony Adams to be give time at Portsmouth

Arsene Wenger believes Tony Adams must be given time to prove his worth if Portsmouth are to flourish under his management.

Adams is assured of a hero's welcome back at The Emirates today as the fans greet a man who was at the heart of so much success in nearly 20 years at Arsenal.

But his succession to Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park has not been a seamless transition - and his judgment and managerial qualities are being questioned already.

Arsenal manager Wenger - who will be without the injured Robin van Persie today - admitted: "I hope Tony gets the time.

"We have Paul Ince, Roy Keane and Tony Adams and they were three big players.

"People complain there are no managers coming through, but there are only managers if they are given time.