David Nugent tells Wenger: 'Football is not a girl’s game'

Burnley striker David Nugent claims the shadow of Aaron Ramsey’s horror injury was hanging over the Emirates.

But Nugent has insisted that Arsenal are not targeted by opponents and told Gunners boss Arsene Wenger: “Football is not a girl’s game.”

Theo Walcott squared up to Burnley full back Daniel Fox after a fierce tackle and Nugent claimed that Arsenal are on red-alert at the moment because of Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross’s tackle on Ramsey.

Burnley goal hero Nugent said: “We know they like to pass the ball around and keep it and we had to pressure them. There were no harsh tackles in there.

“Foxy won a tackle on Theo and then he got a bit annoyed by it but I think that was just because of what happened to Aaron Ramsey. We all hope he comes back as soon as possible.

“I don’t think Arsenal are targeted. Football isn’t a girl’s game, you have to tackle. I don’t think Ryan Shawcross meant to hurt the lad, but if a tackle is there to be won you have to go and win it.”

Arsenal fans had “Get well soon“ banners around the ground for Ramsey while the home players also wore T-shirts for their injured team mate before kick-off.

But they also dedicated victory to Ramsey and another away defeat leaves Burnley in deep trouble as Nugent admitted they are facing a huge battle for survival as they prepare for home games with Stoke and Wolves.

Nugent added: “It will go right down to the wire. We need to make sure we keep up our home form. Only three sides have beaten us at home.

“There is still a lot of football to be played. We’ve still got ten games left, two games won’t make a season.

“These two games are massive (Stoke and Wolves at home). We’ve got to be aiming for at least four points out of six. We obviously want all six but it will be hard.”