Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton makes Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger claim

Joey Barton has hailed Arsene Wenger’s influence in football and has compared it to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Wenger was manager of Arsenal for 22-years and was induced in to the Premier League Hall of Fame in March. He won four Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, and was a standard bearer for managers from abroad.

The Frenchman was appearing as a pundit on beIN Sports alongside former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, and was explaining the sacrifice he made for Arsenal to move from Highbury Stadium to the Emirates Stadium. His accomplishment was noticed by Joey Barton who was keen to put praise on the 73-year-old.

He tweeted: “Team before Self from Arsene. What an influence he had on the game in this country.

“Similar to Pep Giardiola. He revolutionised his club in his era at the top. A brilliant coach. A brilliant football man. Loved playing against his teams.”

The Bristol Rovers boss made 269 appearances in the Premier League and will have come up against the Arsenal boss. Barton played for Burnley, QPR, Newcastle United and Manchester City in the top flight and is well positioned to offer his opinion on all things Premier League.

The 40-year-old’s record against Arsenal was three wins, four draws and 12 defeats. A memorable match against the Gunners for the Gas manager was a 4-4 draw at St James Park.

Theo Walcott, Johan Djorou and a brace from Robin Van Persie gave the Gunners a four-goal lead inside 26 minutes but Barton inspired the Magpies to a draw. Barton pulled one back and got Alan Pardew’s side to within one with a penalty before a stunning equaliser from Cheik Tiote.