Shawcross hits back at Wenger

Wenger has been critical of Stoke in the past (AP)

Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has accused Arsene Wenger of having a personal vendetta against him after yet more criticism from the Arsenal manager this season.

In February Wenger vilified the centre-back after he was sent off for a challenge which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg.

After last month's match at Tottenham the Frenchman then claimed both Shawcross and Robert Huth had repeatedly fouled goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

And the 22-year-old defender has now had enough.

"He's obviously got something against me. It's just weird," he said.

"He seems to have a problem with Stoke, our manager and certain players.

"Criticism doesn't bother me, unless it's a false accusation like this one.

"It's just disappointing he came out and said something that wasn't needed.

"He could have said there was a problem week-in, week-out in the Premier League, but he shouldn't have named individuals."

Shawcross added in The Sentinel: "I don't mind people having their opinions but if it's not a game involving his players then I don't see the point of bringing up me and Huthy.

"I've watched the video again and at no point did I go anywhere near Gomes.

"I didn't think I had, but I didn't want to say I hadn't touched him before looking at the video to make sure."