Arsene Wenger believes that English players “may be the masters” of diving, rather than foreign players, after Mauricio Pochettino claiming a fixation on the subject was “killing the game” ahead of Saturday’s north London derby.

Dele Alli was booked for simulation during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, while Harry Kane, who was awarded a penalty, was also accused of diving to win a spot-kick, leading to Pochettino’s fears over the way football was heading.

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Pochettino insisted diving was simply a sporting tactic rather than anything more sinister, saying: “Football is about trying to trick your opponent.” He did however admit Alli was correct to be booked.

Responding to Pochettino’s comments ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Wembley, Wenger said: “I am convinced he wanted to see tricking your opponent is to be clever. Was it an apology for diving? I’m not sure.

“In my case, no. We want to get diving out of the game. I don't tell my players to dive, I don't encourage them to dive at all.

“Sometimes they play a little bit with the rules. How far can you go? That is down to the referees. But I must say the English players learn very quickly and they may be the masters now.”