Joey Barton made his unceremonious return to football last Saturday, taking to the field for the final few minutes of a 3-0 flattening at the hands of Arsenal, booed by the entirety of the Emirates Stadium. His first act upon taking the field was a heavy and potentially dangerous tackle on Samir Nasri, and despite winning the ball, the manner in which he dove in and goaded the Frenchman thereafter was not to come without consequence.

Moments later, in an off the ball incident, Nasri tripped Barton and, having not been seen by the referee, escaped punishment. It was as if the former Marseille man was making a statement that he would not be bullied in the Premier League, and despite taking a barrage of criticism from Kevin Keegan, who tried to bring the player to the club, he has also made himself a few friends for giving Barton, a renowned thug, a taste of his own medicine.

It is by now known across the country and beyond just what Joey Barton has become during his footballing career. The midfielder has been hit with various assault charges - most infamously on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo - for which he recently served a prison sentence. He has since had his Nike sponsorship revoked and was on the verge of leaving St James' Park only for Keegan, in one of his final acts as manager before quitting the club for a second time, pleaded for him to stay and to be supported.

He has been hit with a 12-game ban by the Football Association, six of which are suspended. Therefore, a recently convicted criminal will face only double the initial punishment faced for a two-footed tackle. Arsenal captain William Gallas, who leapt to Nasri's defence upon the final whistle last Saturday, believes the ban should have been far more severe. “In my opinion [the ban] is not long enough, especially when you think about his attack on Ousmane Dabo and everything he has done besides,” the Arsenal captain told the Sunday Express. "I don't understand The Football Association."

Gallas, himself something of a hate figure for his notorious bad attitude, then made a controversial remark of his own, contending that Barton deserved being tripped by Nasri in light of his various misdemeanours. Keegan rightly contended in his post-match press conference that when considering the referee's assistant had seen the challenge from the touchline, it was his duty to flag and for Nasri to be shown a red card.

The Gunners' skipper, with unashamed bias against Barton, felt differently. "The moment Barton came on to the pitch [against Arsenal] he made a bad challenge on Samir Nasri," he said, continuing, "Samir responded with an act that maybe wasn't especially nice. But bearing in mind the player he did it to, then fair enough."

crazy captain?

Appiah has already been linked with a host of clubs this summer including West Ham, Tottenham, Genoa and Juventus and it now appears that Arsene Wenger may be about to make a move for the midfielder.

The Ghanaian enjoyed a miserable season last term. Injury forced him to miss most of the season, including the African Cup of Nations, and the midfielder is now keen to restart his career.

The 27-year-old joined Fenerbahce from Juventus in 2005 and reports had suggested he might be in line for a return to Turin, although he has also reportedly expressed an interest in moving to the Premier League.

West Ham had thought to be in pole position to sign the midfielder, yet with finances an issue at Upton Park and the club currently managerless, following the resignation of Alan Curbishley this week, Arsenal may now become favourites to secure Appiah’s signature.

Arsene Wenger’s hunt for a midfielder to replace the departed Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva has been well-documented. Moves for Gareth Barry and Xabi Alonso had been mooted but no offer materialised from the Emirates before the close of the transfer window.

Speaking to The Telegraph about a proposed move to North London, the Ghanaian reportedly confirmed that negotiations had taken place but remained coy about his future. He said: “There are talks, there are talks – I can’t say anything yet.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spent shrewdly this summer. Fans were expecting one final deadline day signing to plug the hole in midfield, but that transfer never arrived. What they discounted though, was the free transfer of Amaury Bischoff earlier in the summer.

Wenger originally stated that Bischoff may be a gamble due to his track record of fitness and injuries, but latest reports from the club's official website indicate that the player could be training with the first team in as soon as two weeks.

The 21-year old midfielder told Arsenal TV Online: "The injury is getting better bit by bit. I've been doing ball work for five or six days now and I am running three times a week. I'm nearly pain-free and hope to be back as soon as possible."

"It's been difficult," he said. "I've been injured for a long time but Arsenal have shown faith in me. They have got me in great shape and been brilliant. They monitor me with a daily programme and a trainer is there for me every day. I think that little by little I'm getting there and will soon be back on the pitch," Bischoff added.

"I think that in two weeks I'll be training with the team and if all goes well, I'll speak with the manager and coaches here. Then I'll be back as quickly as possible," he concluded.

 

The 17-year-old playmaker is considered by many in the know to be an England star in the making, and he only added to his reputation with some eye-catching displays for the senior squad in preseason.

Walcott told Arsenal's official matchday programme: “For a little lad he’s very strong, he’s got a good left foot and his link-up play and reading of the game is fantastic.

“He makes it look so easy when he plays and every time he gets the ball and does something he brings a smile to your face.”

“I’m sure he’ll get a chance or two this season, he’s still young so he’ll want to play, but he will need rest as well," he continued, before inadvertently adding fodder to those who feel that Arsenal are at a lack for English identity.

“It's nice to have another English face in the changing room though, especially after Justin [Hoyte] left. I was sad to see Justin go, but with Jack and Aaron Ramsey here too, there are a few Brits in the squad.”

Juventus are close to extending Sebastian Giovinco’s contract, according to his agent, but Arsenal are standing by and ready to swoop if things don't go to plan for the Old Lady, according to reports in Italy.

The Bianconeri are trying hard to renew the player's deal in order to fend off interest from other clubs in future.

Giovinco’s agent Claudio Pasqualin admits that an agreement is close, but problems remain surrounding the financial aspects of the fresh contract.

“There are good intentions from both parties but the figures still need to be sorted out,” Pasqualin told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“We are looking at a five year deal until 2013, but there hasn’t been agreement between what the club and what the player wants. That’s why there hasn’t been a signature just yet.”

A number of reports around the peninsula suggest that Arsenal are monitoring the situation and ready to pounce for Giovinco, should his contract renewal fail again.

The Gunners tried to make a move in the summer, but the Bianconeri managed to fend them off.

trust wenger, i guess he knows what is he doing. if there is really some real problem, he would definitely buy in january

Emmanuel Eboue has long split not just football fans, but Arsenal supporters too. While some grow frustrated with what they deem play-acting, others hold their hands over their face at how cross after cross can find its way into row Z.

That may have been the Eboue of old, but the Eboue of late has been much different. Last season he cut out his on-the-floor roll-play, and it appears this campaign he has rectified his decision-making and final ball.

The 25-year old Ivory Coast international, who has 23 caps to his name, fed Van Persie a delightful back-heel assist for Arsenal's final goal in their home three-nil rout over Newcastle United - their third three-nil win over the Magpies in nine months.

Arsene Wenger believes this style of play epitomises the Emmanuel that we shall see more of over the new season. He told the club's official website: "Since the start of the season, Eboue has played well... He had two good games in central midfield. At Fulham, he was one of the players who was not disappointing and he had a good performance against Newcastle as well."

"He's a football player," he added. "Sometimes I play him, sometimes Walcott, sometimes Nasri [out wide]."

"There was a little bit of frustration from the fans because they thought that he didn't always have enough end-product, but he has improved a lot in that respect."

"He has put over good final balls since the start of the season," he concluded.

this is really funny. eboue is..useless IMO

The Independent has reported that Arsenal tried to sign Xabi Alonso just before the transfer deadline, submitting an improved offer believed to be around £14million.

Yesterday Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had reiterated that Spanish international midfielder Alonso was not for sale, although it is thought was always prepared to deal if a would-be buying club met his valuation of the player.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger had admitted the Gunners needed an experienced midfielder, and had hinted that a deadline day deal or two might well materialise. In the event, none did, though Wenger has also stressed that he believes his existing squad is strong enough to challenge for major honours.

Wenger brought in Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey, Amaury Bischoff and Mikael Silvestre during the summer, while Gilberto Silva, Alexander Hleb, Jens Lehmann, Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte left the club and Kerrea Gilbert, Nacer Barazite, Armand Traore and Philippe Senderos were sent out on loan.

Wenger yesterday rejected Cardiff City's attempt to take Aaron Ramsey back on loan.

Nevertheless, he is thought to have wanted to partner Alonso with fellow Spain international Cesc Fabregas in central midfield. According to The Independent, Wenger saw Alonso, 26, as a player who could add experience and steel to his team.

The Frenchman had a bid of £12million rejected last month as he tried to capitalise on Liverpool's efforts to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

Arsenal 4-0 FC Twente

Wenger: Senderos Could Be Gone For Good

Reports originally broke on Monday suggesting the 23-year-old was poised to undergo a medical with the Serie A giants, and now Wenger has just stopped short of subtiantiating the claims that the deal includes an option for Milan to sign him permanently at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.

Wenger told Sky Sports News: "Senderos has gone to Milan today and is not available anymore.He will go to Milan. He will complete a medical today.

"The thinking [behind the move] is that at the moment he doesn't get the games here and that he can play somewhere and remain in a top level club.

"Without losing him we want him to play. It (whether the transfer will become permanent) is not decided yet," he added.

"For us, we have Johan Djourou, Kolo Toure, Senderos, Alexandre Song, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre, who can play centre-back, so there is congestion there."

Less than three weeks into the season and the Gunners are already feeling the pinch amid a rocky, injury-ridden start.

Influential midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Aliaksandr Hleb have left the club, while Spanish superstar Cesc Fabregas tops an injury list as long as Liverpool's title drought.

Last weekend's loss to Fulham sent warning sparks flying around North London, and many have called for Wenger to spend big on quality reinforcements.

But the Frenchman dismissed the notion that parting with large amounts of cash would instantly solve all the club's on-field problems.

He said in The Sun: “I hate the idea that, whenever we have a bad game, the solution is to go out and buy. I don’t know why we’re always under pressure to buy £30million or £40m players.

“I am not impressed by big names. I am only impressed by attitude and quality. All the rest is just hype.

“So if Chelsea buy Robinho, frankly, what can we do about it? The answer is not to look at what Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool are doing.

“I’m not interested in comparing names. I focus on my own players, not the other teams. The squad we have has enough quality and strength to win the Champions League.”

But despite the former Monaco manager's assurances to the contrary, there is no doubt that his team looks rather light through the middle of the park.

The departures of Gilberto Silva and Flamini earlier in the summer, and of Lassana Diarra in January, have left the likes of Denilson and Abou Diaby - youngsters both - to pick up the slack in central midfield.

Hence, a host of seasoned stars, such as Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry, have been linked with a move to the Emirates to take up the role as Fabregas' anchor.

And while Wenger confessed he is on the lookout for another signing, he reiterated that expense does not guarantee quality.

“If I can find one more player before the transfer deadline, I will take him. But one more player will not make that much difference,” he continued.

“A good player is not necessarily linked with the price. It is getting harder to buy the right players but the market is still there.

“At the moment, we are struggling to find the right player.

"If we don’t get him, we’re still strong enough to deal with all the competitions.”

The Rossoneri have been desperately searching for a centre back in recent weeks following the injury to key man Alessandro Nesta.

With Dario Simic and Digao both being offloaded, things started to become desperate for the Rossoneri when primary target Branislav Ivanovic, who had seemed certain to join from Chelsea, saw his transfer fall through at the last moment.

It was reported last week that Milan had turned their attentions to another Premiership based player, in the form of Arsenal centre back Philippe Senderos, and the deal has now been officially completed.

The Swiss centre back arrives on a one year loan deal, and Milan have the option to make the move permanent for a set fee next summer.

Senderos had been well down the pecking order at Arsenal following an error-prone season last term, and Arsene Wenger signalled his intention to let him leave after signing Manchester United’s Mickael Silvestre last week.

The 23-year-old Senderos made 74 Premiership appearances, scoring four goals, since signing for Arsenal from Servette in December 2002.

He has won 31 caps for Switzerland, playing at World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

Keegan made the admission when a Sky Sports News reporter pressed him on comments attributed to the Swiss international's father claiming that both Milan and Newcastle were in for his son.

"Well, the lad has got two tremendous clubs to pick from if his dad's right," said Keegan.

The Geordie boss went on to confirm that he is still hoping to sign three new players before the start of the new Premier League season.

He added: "We are looking for three more players to come in before the deadline, but they have got to be the right players.

"We definitely need another defender; there is no doubt about that.

"We are looking for a defender, a midfield player and possible one more forward."

With the transfer window closing at the end of August, Keegan is hoping to be a protagonist in the inevitable flurry of transfer activity between now and the end of month.

Sky Sports News report that the Frenchman will play out the season at Fratton Park, as the club's second and therefore final - as per Premier League rules - loan signing of the summer. The permanent signing of Jerome Thomas from Charlton Athetlic, who had previously been on loan, allowed this move to be finalised.

Traore, 18, has shown glimpses of explosive potential at Arsenal, having been plucked from Monaco's youth ranks in 2005, but is currently understudy to the incredible Gael Clichy at left-back, and Samir Nasri has started the season in perfect form with a goal on debut from left wing.

The 31-year old France international signed a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium for an undisclosed fee, surprising the club’s fans who had expected their manager to strengthen in midfield.

 

And while Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly ended his interest in Barry after the long and tiresome negotiations this summer, Wenger has hinted that he may still make a £16 million move for the player despite him being cup-tied in Europe.

 

“I believe once somebody cannot play for you in Europe, it devalues the player for the season - but it is not necessarily stopping you from buying a player,” Wenger said.

 

"I can surprise you sometimes, as I got one in whom you did not expect, and there still might be one more player coming in.

 

"There is interest always. But I do not want to give you any names.”

 

On the signing of Silvestre, Wenger has cited the player’s experience as a key reason for his interest in the former Red Devils utility man.

 

"He can play centre-back, he can play left-back and that is an area where we were a bit inexperienced," Wenger added.

 

"He has a great team attitude and he can help us in the dressing room as well with his maturity."

Official - Arsenal Sign Mikael Silvestre

Arsenal have confirmed that the transfer took place this evening, having already awarded the experienced stopper the number 18 shirt.

Silvestre told the official club website upon his arrival at the Emirates, "I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge.

"Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes."

Manager and countryman Arsene Wenger added, "We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael’s versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.

"His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it’s a big plus that Mikael has top level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."

Late Approach

The move had the hallmarks of a whirlwind transfer about it, given that until late last night Silvestre's most likely destination appeared to be United's local rivals, Manchester City.

However reports then surfaced that Wenger had a particular fondness for the 31-year-old, who has vast experience of English football after nine seasons at Old Trafford.

The Sun claims that Arsene Wenger is in search of reliable cover for starting left-back Gael Clichy and has pegged Silvestre to fill that role.

The French defender is almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer after an injury-blighted season that capped his gradual slide into obscurity.

The former Internazionale man has been comprehensively displaced by both Patrice Evra, widely regarded as the Premier League's best full-back, and Nemanja Vidic, whose defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand is among Europe's most reliable.

Manchester City looked set to snare Silvestre after he visited Eastlands for a medical, but it is understood the 31-year-old scrapped negotiations as soon as he learned of the Gunners' interest.

An Arsenal source said: "Arsene has been looking for experienced cover for Gael Clichy and he knows all about Mikael.

"Arsene has followed his career with France and at United and the fact he is French is a bonus."

all arsenal fans, come and share with us why did u support arsenal. because of style of play, player or other strange reasons?

at first, i watched arsenal's matches because of dennis bergkamp, but gradually support arsenal and have been there fan since 2001

i've shared mine, so now please share yours!

Following the departure of Gilberto Silva, Aliaksandr Hleb and Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal’s priority in the summer transfer market had been to sign a top quality centre midfielder.

So far manager Arsene Wenger has not brought in any replacements, and their narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted West Bromwich Albion on Saturday suggested that the Gunners are lacking a bit punch in the middle-of-the-park.

Arsenal have been linked to Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, Xabi Alonso of Liverpool and Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal defender Kolo, but with all these players now cup-tied from Europe, it appears unlikely that any will be arriving in North London.

According to the Daily Mail, Wenger could now be set to make one big last effort to sign Udinese midfielder Inler before the end of the transfer window on September 1.

The 24-year-old has seen his stock rise over the past 12 months after a superb debut season in Serie A, following his transfer from FC Zurich.

Inler, who has been also been associated with a move to Liverpool, Juventus and Inter, is valued at €10m..

The classy schemer has stated on a number of occasions that he wants to stay at Udinese, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can resist a move to England, should an offer be forthcoming.

source: goal.com

Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

Arsenal

Almunia - 7: Relatively untested, but looked solid whenever called into action and his kicking was accurate.

Sagna - 7: Started this season where he left off the last. Rock solid in defence and always a decent outlet going forward. Could have perhaps slightly improved his crossing.

Djourou - 6.5: Deputised well enough for Kolo Toure, though he was caught napping and almost allowed Ishmael Miller to equalise in the second half, only to immediately make amends by making a goal line clearance from Do-Heon Kim.

Gallas - 7: The captain fared well in what was a reasonably comfortable outing. Looked assured in defence, though not quite as sharp as he would have liked. Crashed an incredible effort off the post from almost 40 yards early on.

Clichy - 8.5: Man of the Match. Tireless down the left hand side, unbeatable at the back and provided endless goal-scoring opportunities when going forward.

Walcott - 6.5: Was kept fairly quiet for large parts of the game as Arsenal generally preferred to attack down their left hand side. Did not manage to hit anything resembling top gear as he occasionally did in pre-season.

Eboue - 5: No matter where he is played these days, the Cote d'Ivoire international cannot make it happen for the Gunners. Had a fairly simple job of protecting the back four in midfield, which he did to decent effect, but was very wasteful in possession.

Denilson - 7.5: Had a marvellous first half and was central to all the Gunners' quality offensive play. It was when the hosts were at their best and the Brazilian deputised admirably for Cesc Fabregas.

Nasri - 8: A goal on competitive debut - can you ask for much more? He looked very lively all afternoon. Defied his critics as he had the physical fight in him to stand his ground and even tracking back to retrieve possession. Took his goal well, slotted seamlessly into the Wenger philosophy of football and enjoyed a somewhat free roaming position in left wing. No Hleb, no problem.

Bendtner: 6.5: Like Walcott, was by and large bypassed for much of Arsenal's best moves and somewhat isolated at times. Put in a neat and tidy performance, but did not impose himself on the game as he has in pre-season.

Adebayor - 7.5: A relentless performance. Acted as a creator far more than he did a scorer this afternoon, hovering on the left hand side and constantly looking to power past his man and put balls into the box. Cannot be faulted for his work rate or creativity, but could have perhaps gotten himself into better goal-scoring positions more often, considering Arsenal's dominance.

Substitutes:

Van Persie - 5: Very wasteful during his brief showing as a substitute. Wayward shooting and inaccurate passing.

Toure - 6: Made a fleeting appearance and looked full of energy playing in an advanced role on the right hand side.

source: goal.com

While Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has not been quiet during this transfer window - he has already sealed deals for Amaury Bischoff, Francis Coquelin, Samir Nasri, and Aaron Ramsey - last night's match against FC Twente still revealed a glaring hole in Arsenal's midfield.

Three defensive midfielders have left Arsenal in 2008: Lassana Diarra; Mathieu Flamini; and Gilberto, yet Arsene has only replaced two of these players. One of whom is an untried Frenchman from Ligue 2, and the other has since been admitted as a 'gamble' due to his track record of injuries.

Speaking to the club's official website, Wenger has provided gunners fans with the news they have all been waiting for - that recruits will be signed before the end of the window.

"Will something be done ahead of the second leg? Certainly yes, but before Saturday, no."

On the Arsenal's apparent lack of depth, the shrewd manager countered: "If you look at the number of players we had out, you can say it was very positive. We did not have Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky, Nasri, Kolo Toure, Eduardo and Senderos, while Song is away at the Olympics."

He added: "We missed seven or eight players out so for me our squad looks big because the players who were here did well."

Since the the start of the summer window, Arsenal's likely targets have included Gokhan Inler, Gareth Barry, Xabi Alonso, Michael Johnson, Lorik Cana, and Marcos Senna. The latter however, has already stated that he turned down an offer from Arsenal, along with Juventus and Fenerbache.

Arsenal host West Brom on the opening game of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

As the new season fast approaches, speculation is rife as to who will do what throughout the 2008-09 edition of England's top competition.

Will it be a two-horse race between Manchester United and Chelsea once more? Will Arsenal surprise everyone again by setting the pace? Will Liverpool finally break their duck or will they sink into the pack as usual come winter?

Mourinho is familiar with the pre-season buzz that perennially consumes England during the first weeks of August, having endured the experience four times during his days at Stamford Bridge.

From his perch at San Siro the Portuguese coach declared that the Gunners are still too lightweight to maintain a title challenge.

And while he admitted that his former club and United are deserving favourites, the ex-Porto boss believes Merseyside might finally have something to cheer about after 18 years without a league crown.

"I saw Arsenal. They have a good team but have a small group of experienced players," Mourinho said in The Sun. 

"The second group is full of boys. They have talent but maybe Arsenal are without the depth needed to win the title.

"Man United and Chelsea will be fighting but one day Liverpool are going to get that title. I think it might be this year."

i agree with him, at the same time, im worried that spurs would overtake us

Despite still only being a teenager, Walcott is preparing for his fourth season in the Premier League at Arsenal and is being tipped by many to enjoy a successful campaign in Arsene Wenger’s team.

The youngster certainly has the backing of goalkeeper Almunia who, speaking in the Telegraph, claims that Walcott is going to be one to watch this season. He said: “I've seen him concentrating in pre-season and he knows it's going to be his season. He's going to have an important part to play in the squad.”

The 19 year old finally began to stake a claim for a place in the first team last season and managed 25 appearances and 4 goals in the Premier League as Arsenal finished the season in third place.

Whilst he is clearly gaining experience, Almunia suggests that Walcott doesn’t have much to learn on the pitch, other than to toughen up. He confessed: “The only thing Theo maybe has to improve is his character; he's a lovely guy on the pitch - I keep saying to him he has to become more nasty. After this he will be one of the best players in the Premier League.”

However, the Spanish stopper is also expecting Walcott to improve this season and that Arsene Wenger’s experience with young players will help him to fulfil his undoubted potential.

“When you are young at Arsenal you have to make use of the people at the club, use the facilities and improve,” said Almunia before adding, “It's impossible not to improve. You have to be stupid not to improve. I believe I'm a good example.”

After four seasons in North London, Almunia finally got his hands on the number one spot last season and has managed to become the first choice goalkeeper at the Emirates.

Despite reportedly not seeing eye to eye with former encumbent Jens Lehmann, Almunia happily paid tribute to his former team-mate.

“The relationship I had with Jens drove me on,” confessed the Almunia before concluding, “I think Jens also made me a better keeper.”