The World Cup in 2010 will go down in history for a few things. Vuvuzela’s, The first World Cup in Africa, England’s abysmal showing, Germany’s bright future, Netherlands awful tactics and the Spanish proving they are the best side in the world. Yet one other event for me outshone them all. The French camps implosion in to cliques, strike action and mole’s leaking information to the press.

Yesterday, every single member of the World Cup squad was put on suspension for the next match, a friendly against Norway on August 18th though most of them will return for the European Championship qualifiers that begin in September. It is a bold statement by the new manager, Laurent Blanc, but something had to be done, though the previous manager, Raymond Domenech is hardly an innocent in all this.

Domenech was universally disliked by the French media and public and I was surprised after the Euro 2008 debacle that he didn’t lose his job then. IN an interview after the tournament many people tuned in to see him resign, instead he proposed to his girlfriend. A man who picked the squad based on astrology was always going to be on shaky ground. The team struggled through qualification and of course there was the now infamous handball incident that tarnished the team, the manager and of course Thierry Henry. It was a millstone that ultimately broke the squad’s strength, they simply couldn’t deal with the bad press that came of it.

Even during the World Cup group stage draw, in the run through before the draw started properly, Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron, on drawing France’s name from the pot, announced “IRELAND” to rapturous applause from the crowd. From that moment on, the scene was set, everyone wanted the French to fail. It was a wall of negativity the team could never clamber over and the World Cup was 12 days of hell for everyone involved.

The 7 Premiership players who were part of that squad are all now unavailable though Samir Nasri will be glad he missed out and should return to the squad from here on in. The question is how can those players recover from the emotional and damaging campaign positively. Often, poor performances in a summer tournament can often lead to players wanting to hit the ground running when a new domestic season starts.

Yet the whole strike debacle, the Anelka argument, the trainer storming off the ground and throwing his accreditation in to the bushes only served to make everyone who wished the French ill highly delighted. Throw in the ongoing prostitute story and all of a sudden you have a lot of Irish fans invoking Karma! Coupled with the dreadful performances in all 3 matches and the players involved could suffer something of a post World Cup hangover.

William Gallas has still to find a club after his contract expired with Arsenal, Anelka’s reputation has never been very positive throughout his career. Patrice Evra, outed as ringleader has seen his normally cool exterior sullied and the Arsenal trio of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby must have wondered what on earth they’d let themselves in for. At least they don’t still play in the French League, so they can be spared the reception that will meet some of their international colleagues.

It will be interesting to see how Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti and Alex Ferguson pick these players up and get them fired and ready for the new season.

Please leave me your comments and you can follow me at www.twitter.com/paulbestall

The Man Who Still Holds the Key to Arsenal's Future

At first glance, this question looks bleedingly obvious. With their massive fan base, a beautiful new 60,000 plus seat stadium, and their years of success and trophies, Arsenal should be quite clearly considered to be a “big club.” For the past decade and more, they have been considered part of the so-called Big Four, along with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool. But now that old order is crumbling, and Arsenal are struggling to keep pace with the other big clubs.

Just about three weeks ago, when Tottenham Hotspur beat Arsenal, Guardian pundit (and EPL Talk award winner) Barry Glendenning made an offhanded comment that should really stick in the gut of all Arsenal fans. He stated that of course Spurs should beat us. They spend significantly more money than us on players. He’s dead right. And now it has come to this: Tottenham are on the verge of finally, and perhaps permanently, overtaking Arsenal as the dominant club in North London.

My fellow Gooners. Read that again. That should strike fear in the heart of every Arsenal fan around the globe.

But the numbers and the reality doesn’t lie. Sure, Arsenal has finished above Tottenham for 15 straight seasons. But you don’t get a trophy for that. And now that Tottenham has finally reaped Champions League riches, these days are certainly numbered as well.

Which leads me back to my original question. Can Arsenal continue to call themselves a big club over the long-term without spending the requisite money?

While Arsenal continue to stay amongst the strongest clubs in Europe on the Forbes list, they have definitely fallen behind domestic rivals Chelsea and Man U, and most certainly behind Barcelona, Real Madrid, and perhaps even Bayern Munich. With the rise of Manchester City and Spurs, it won’t be long before Arsenal find themselves behind these clubs.

But the question has to be asked: Why?

When did Arsenal fall behind to the point where they may simply not be able to keep up? Arsenal have sold big players before, most notably Nicolas Anelka. What makes them different now, and why can’t they recover?

1. Inability to Market Themselves, Especially Outside Europe. By all measures, Arsenal play the perfect style to be the most popular club in North America and Asia. They play wide open, attractive football, and their skill and talent makes crowds want to see them play, even in opposing markets. But Arsene Wenger remains very stubborn. As the Gaffer wrote just six months ago, the fact that Arsenal have not gone on such a tour is almost criminal. The fact that Arsenal have also ignored key markets in Asia, while allowing clubs such as Liverpool, Everton, and of course Chelsea and Manchester United dominate that region has been business malpractice by Arsene Wenger.

2. Smart Spending In Face of Massive Debt. This is one that i will credit Arsene for. While other clubs, most notably Manchester United And Liverpool, spent heavily in the face of massive debt, Arsenal actually made a large profit over the last three seasons, selling such luminaries as Adebayor, Flamini, and Kolo Toure. Liverpool, however, have spent freely, adding Aquilani, Torres, and others. That club may pay the ultimate price: if a new owner isn’t found soon, they may become the new Leeds, forced to sell off players and plunge through the ranks of the football league.

3. Lack of development and motivation of some key players. While I will not spend this column harking on the failure of players like Denilson or Theo Walcott to grow at the club level, it is important to note that a number of these young players have not developed in the way we all thought they would. Sure, some of it has to do with key injuries, but this can not be an excuse: it is Arsene Wenger’s job to highlight not just the top talent, but also durable talent. Every manager knows that the Premier League season is long and grueling. The manager must find players up to the task.

4. Lack of depth. Three and four are very much related. Everyone this side of Rotterdam knows that Robin van Persie gets injured. Everyone, that is, except for Arsene Wenger. When RVP is inevitably out for 3-4 months with some sort of calf/knee/ankle/foot injury, Arsene Wenger has no plan B. But the facts don’t lie. When Didier Drogba was out for a couple months, Nic Anelka was there to pick up the scoring slack. Arsenal simply have no other striker option good enough. Eduardo is not the same player he was before the injury; he may never be. Nik Bendtner is just starting to scratch the surface of his talent. At this point, however, he’s simply not a reliable option.

5. Arsene Wenger Himself. This is the one that is really hardest for me to write. But first, a confession. I generally hate all the coaches/managers of teams I root for. I have always disliked Jim Leyland, even when the Tigers made their first World Series in 22 years. My anger toward Lloyd Carr was unparalleled when he was the coach at Michigan. There has only been one coach who I have steadfastly supported: Arsene Wenger. It was hard not to. The man brought trophy after trophy to Arsenal. Every fan swore their allegiance: “In Arsene We Trust,” the banner reads behind the goal. But is Arsene Wenger really deserving of that? The past five seasons don’t lie: While the ship has been sinking, while Arsenal players struggled (especially in goal), Arsene Wenger behaved not like one of the winningest managers in history, but more like Baghdad Bob. “We have utmost confidence in (insert flopping continental keeper name here)” he would say, while that keeper flubbed one or two goals almost every game. Arsene Wenger needs someone to offset him, someone to say to him “Arsene, we really need a new keeper.” “Arsene, Silvestre and Billy Gallas aren’t good enough.” In other words, Arsene Wenger needs someone to tell him when he’s wrong. He’s been wrong on the keeper, he was wrong to not buy depth the last couple years (as stars were likely out of our price range), and he’s wrong not to strengthen the squad at the back and at the front. If Arsene Wenger is unable to notice these things on his own, he needs someone to tell him when he’s wrong. Before it’s too late.

While Cesc may walk now, and Gallas not long after, it is clear that Arsenal have a lot of decisions to make. While a lot of these fall on the shoulders of one man, it is important that he understands that his years of winning have bought him a lot of patience. But a fifth consecutive season without silverware, and a 4th without any sort of final appearance, will see the end of the patience from a lot of fans. While he can point fingers at Barcelona or Chelsea “tapping up” our players, it is clear that Arsene has not done enough to convince our players that their futures lie at Arsenal. In 2010-2011, Arsene has the chance to reverse the bleeding. If he does not, a steady and perhaps irreversible decline may be at hand at Arsenal.

Jordan Acker will continue to love his Gunners no matter what. Follow him on Twitter at @JAcker2L

• Quality Programming v the Direct Influence of Reality TV on Stupidity
• Hovering, the mother-ship runs low on Petrol
• Some Boys in Blue

The exhausting marathon that was analyzing a full 90 minutes of six matches followed by bits and pieces of the remaining four that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week is now thankfully over. I rue this game of football. I find myself missing quality programming like “Hollywood Week” on American Idol and umpteen time reruns of the hot MTV reality show Jersey Shore. I wonder if Snooki is a football supporter? I imagine her downing shots with Russell Brand (who oddly enough doesn’t drink) at Upton Park supporting the Hammers. She’d be too drunk to complain about the season West Ham are having, she’d fall in love with the handsome Italian Gianfranco Zola, and I’m not even going to touch a “blowing bubbles” pun, too easy. 

Snooki herself, not an A-lister, is quite like the London club who aren’t quite posh like a Chelsea or Arsenal, but still remain in England’s top flight. Here’s hoping she extends her 15 minutes of fame and West Ham can build on the win against Birmingham City. The Premier League is better with them, and in some form of weird, odd, lovable cutesy, maybe the world is better with Snooki as well.

 Who am I kidding? I love this game, the more football the better, RIGHT!? Football makes us smart, reality TV makes us dumb. Who’s with me!?

All joking aside, I may finally catch up on recent installments of 24 and Lost, but before I can switch the DVR on and embrace my inner Jack Bauer, there were some fine matches on offer this midweek: Chelsea v Everton, Manchester United v Aston Villa and some late drama in the Sunderland v Portsmouth match to name just a few. But before Premier League gives way to FA Cup this weekend and before I finishing sipping this Newcastle Brown Ale, I’ll continue this little experiment of awarding invisible accolades. Snooki officially disqualified.

Honorable Mentions -

Adam Johnson, Manchester City- What a home debut. The pacey winger impressed Tuesday night running at Bolton defenders down the right side of midfield and provided meaningful crosses into the box during his 84 minute man of the match performance. The deadline day signing from Middlesbrough won his side a penalty against Bolton defender Paul Robinson that Carlos Tevez converted in the 30th. Johnson continued his terrorizing of Bolton defenders through a second half that saw Emmanuel Adebayor score a stunna’ and secure a 2-0 win for Citeh.

What impressed me about Johnson was the way he carries himself while running with the ball at his feet. He’s not your typical winger. There’s something special about his posture, steps, and nimble feet that give him the distinct look of a natural footballer. I look forward to watching this young talent blossom in the Premier League and wouldn’t put it against a certain Mr. Capello raising an eyebrow his way in the very near future. For more on Adam Johnson, click here.

William Gallas, Arsenal- Gallas is usually hit or miss for me. Wednesday night in the Beautiful Passing Gnomes win over Liverpool, he was definitely a hit. Gallas was solid at the back all night which was important because of the protection he provided the out of form Manuel Almunia.

Gallas proved what a class defender he is in the first half when he expertly timed a sliding tackle on Liverpool’s David Ngog who was in on goal from a game changing ball from Steven Gerrard. The successful lunge kept the game 0-0 until Abou Diaby headed home a fantastic cross from Tomas Rosicky in the 72nd. I can’t stress enough how much Arsenal need an in form, mentally strong leader such as Gallas to form the spine of a trophy-less since ’05 Arsenal.

Landon Donovan, Everton- Donovan further solidified his place in Everton’s starting eleven Wednesday night as he continuously troubled Chelsea defenders out on the right side of midfield. I’ve noticed Donovan at times seeming to almost toe the touchline as his wide play has been successful in drawing defenders out with him in order to free up space in the middle of the field for his fine crossing ability.

Donovan again had a hand in an Everton goal as his first half corner found the head of Louis Saha. Donovan’s corners have been top draw for Everton in his handful of appearances thus far. Later in the first half, Donovan again received the ball on the right of midfield and ran straight at Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho. Donovan got the better of the Portuguese International when he cut in towards goal and was clipped inside the box. The resulting penalty was poorly taken by Louis Saha, but of no fault of Donovan who may soon look to take Everton’s penalties if Saha misses again.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Louis Saha, Everton- I seem to remember predicting a reemergence of sorts from Saha way back in the lowly, forgotten year of 2009. In Everton’s 2-1 win v Chelsea on Wednesday night, Saha was everywhere. The former France and Manchester United striker should have scored a hat trick, he’ll need to practice his penalties or David Moyes will surely give the duties to the aforementioned and in form Landon Donovan.

On the night, Saha’s penalty miss didn’t matter in regards to the match result. Saha constantly troubled Chelsea captain John Terry in mini battles all night – winning headers, running off the ball, making a right nuisance of himself and easily won the war when his 75th minute match winner was a result of his aireal prowess. Saha out jumped the over estimating John Terry for a Sylvain Distin long ball into the box. Saha seemed to pluck the ball out of the air with his chest before an emphatic left footed shot won the match for the impressive Everton. The match itself was quality, especially in the midst of a second half where Everton really hit their stride to beat top spot Chelsea.

See a quality Premier League performance I missed? Feel free to opine below.

We shall be heard, we shall return!

If there is one story that I want to just be over and never have to hear about again, the Carlos Tevez saga with West Ham United and Sheffield United would be that story. When I first read that the FA and the Premier League were going to reopen the case against West Ham and Carlos Tevez, it felt like I was hearing fingernails on an old chalkboard. What more needs to be said about this case, but that has been nothing but one giant farce. As far as I’m concerned, this case has been nothing but hell on earth.

West Ham is correct in saying they have nothing to hide, that’s only because this whole situation has been vetted out in the numerous hearings this matter has had before. To me the questions I want answered are simple ones. What were the FA and Premier League’s intentions back when they made their initial punishment? Why did the two bodies wait until now, knowing what the latest panel ruled, to decide in relaunching this investigation? Does West Ham have any legal options should the FA and Premier League decide to punish the club two times over the same matter? And finally, what can the FA and or the Premier League do to prevent further embarrassment with regards to this matter?

The sooner this matter is over with, the happier I will be. This whole situation right now makes any world renowned circus seem like a man on a standard trampoline. The only hope for all of us is that every organization/federation involved has learned the lesson of this scandal and save those lessons for future use.

Other Stories
The day after Obafemi Martins gets away with driving 106 miles per hour without losing his license, Cristiano Ronaldo totals a Ferrari on his way to training for Manchester United. As the witness interviewed for the story said ‘It’s a shame about the car’. Thankfully Ronaldo was not injured in the crash…that’ll be his pocketbook when he goes to purchase another.

Speaking of Cristiano Ronaldo, when will this nonsense about Real Madrid also stop? Here’s another one of those ‘a verbal deal has been made‘ announcements that I’m sure will be changed in the next few days.

Add William Gallas to the Arsenal injured list. The hamstring got him this time. Funny that on the same day this news is made public, Gary Megson made his feelings know about Wenger’s complaining about Bolton’s physical style.

With the UK FA Cup Fourth Round ties having been announced, Kettering Town is not happy their home tie with Fulham was not picked up.  Hey look on the bright side, this has to be one of the international games picked up…right? (Editor Note: Setanta has offered this game up on delay in the UK. Once the FA gives the green light or not, we’ll let you know).

In a move that I can only think is a move to get him to leave the club, Chelsea are going to ask Michael Ballack to take a pay cut and earn his salary with an incentive based contract. Have a funny feeling the answer will be a loud ‘NO!’

Here’s a strange transfer for everyone. Manchester United must see this is a short term project to sign Ritchie De Laet from Stoke City. I wonder if their partnership with Royal Antwerp had anything to do with it?

Middlesbrough are holding firm to their promise that no one will leave the Riverside. Today it’s Gary O’Neil they are having to reject a bid for…this one from Portsmouth.

Here’s a move I would advise Tottenham not make…a move for Tal Ben Haim. I simply call him ‘the human turnstile’.

The next person to complain about this transfer window, Phil Brown.

And a column to go home by. Matt Hughes discussing Luiz Felipe Scolari and how he needs to prove himself (code word for win) in these big games.

So the dust has finally settled on William Gallas’ ill judged outburst with Arsene Wengers decision to strip him of the captaincy and replace him with Cesc Fabregas immediately. Wenger had to make a big decision in the circumstances and whilst some people may think his choice of the midfielder as his new captain as a strange one, for me it seems the natural choice. Fabregas is clearly Arsenals best player, a wonderful footballer with a quick brain, a fantastic range of passing and desire to do his best for the Gunners, inspiring those around him and in the stands. When Fabregas plays well, so do Arsenal and giving him this responsibility may make his performances more consistent for the team as a whole. He now knows that he is the leader, the man who has to make the team tick, a chance to emulate his hero, Pepe Guardiola.

His age has nothing to do with it at all. So what if he’s 21, he’s played over 200 games for Arsenal since getting his chance in the 2004-2005 season and in my opinion if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. I’ve seen numerous opinions saying he won’t demand the same respect as some of his older teammates but that argument doesn’t hold water at all. Fabregas demands respect because of his ability and experience for the Gunners over the last 5 seasons and with a European Championship winners medal in his locker for Spain, it shows that he can step up to the job of stabilising Arsenal and help settle things down on and off the pitch for Wenger. By giving Fabregas the armband, Wenger is showing complete faith in the player and the man. He won’t care a jot what anyone says about his age and he has history on his side too.

George Graham famously raised eyebrows back in 1988 when he gave the 18 year old Tony Adams the captaincy because Graham recognised that that Adams would run through walls for the team, his colleagues and the fans, showing over the next 14 years what an inspired decision it was at the time. Did Arsenal struggle with Adams as captain? Of course they didn’t, 2 league titles in the next 3 years showed exactly what Graham believed Adams could bring to the side and how many Arsenal fans would not name Adams as the captain of their greatest ever side? Did Dixon, Winterburn, Bould, Keown or Smith throw their teddies out of the cot and show Adams disrespect? It never happened, they knew that making Adams captain was the best decision Graham could have made and he proved it time after time for the Gunners. They wanted to win trophies and having a captain of Adams’ passion drove them on.

Fabregas can galvanise the current side in the same way. There’s no doubt that Wenger will have been well aware of the precedent of installing a younger captain, perhaps looking back through history made his mind up, I find it hard to believe he wouldn’t have been aware of Adams’ age when he took over the armband and thought if it was good enough then, why not now. Saturdays game at Eastlands was always going to be a no win situation, Wengers post match interview saw him downbeat, reticent,even demoralised. No matter what he said, it wouldn’t have been good enough and he steered well clear of the situation or pouring more fuel on the fire that Gallas’ comments had set off.

He looked hurt and who wouldn’t, the comments from Gallas would have cut him to the quick more than most, knowing his right hand man believed that the team was so rudderless and lacking spine and ultimately pointing the finger toward the way the club is currently heading under his stewardship. So what if he had a book to publicise, so what if the interview was with the French media, Gallas should have kept his own council or at least spoken to Wenger privately about his concerns and worries. He had no right to undermine his manager in a such a way and pander to the critics. For a rudderless ship, sitting 5th in the Premiership, in to the Quarter Finals of the Carling Cup and one point away from the next round of the Champions League, they seem to be doing better than that. Yes, they’ve lost 5 games this season in the league, but whose to say the won’t finish in the top 4 and win a cup?

The phone-ins and text messaging services are beginning to fill up with people questioning Wengers position, a situation I find beyond ludicrous, the usual critics who wouldn’t know their way to the Emirates if you drew them a map. Several first team players are missing or only just coming back to match fitness and it does effect the sides balance, anyone can see that but once they’re all back and fit, who’s to say they won’t hit a run of 10-12 games winning everything they come across.

Neither Liverpool or Chelsea have had a blip yet, Manchester United haven’t ripped up any trees either so to write them off is crazy, there are 24 games to play, 72 points to fight for and I’ve yet to see a season won in November as any Newcastle United fan will point out to you. Let Fabregas settle in to the role of captain, let Gallas prove that he’s sorry and let the injuries clear up before anyone judges Arsene Wengers future at the Emirates. His record alone demands that doesn’t it? The promotion of Fabregas draws a line under the last week’s turmoil at the Emirates and I certainly wouldn’t bet on him dragging Arsenal up by their bootlaces as the season progresses.

When was the last time Arsenal looked so pathetic?

Today, they were defeated 3-0 away against Manchester City in a game where it could have easily been 4-0 or 5-0 to the blue half of Manchester.

I’ve never seen so many poor passes from Arsenal in one game. Their first half performance was dire. Man City’s play in the first half wasn’t that much better either but it took a defensive error between Gael Clichy and Mikael Silvestre to give Stephen Ireland the opportunity to knock the ball into the back of the net.

In the second half, City replied with two more goals. A beautiful chip by Robinho and a late penalty winner by Daniel Sturridge.

Arsenal deserved to get a goal back in the second half when City goalkeeper Joe Hart lifted the ball into the air before kicking it, but Robin van Persie nicked in and slotted the ball into the net. Unfortunately, referee Alan Wiley disallowed the goal.

There were so few highlights for Arsenal in this game. Whenever Arsenal received the ball, Manchester City players quickly pressured the Gunners to prevent them from playing their sleek attractive passing game. Watching this game, it didn’t really look like Arsenal on the pitch. They were that awful.

I was surprised by the performance of Arsenal. I honestly thought that William Gallas being away from the team would galvanize the players and help them focus on the task at hand. This Arsenal side is desperately lacking experience and, without Cesc Fabregas due to suspension, is missing a true leader.

Arsenal have now lost in the league to Manchester City, Aston Villa, Stoke City, Hull City and Fulham. Before the season started, most people who have put money on the Gunners to win all those games. Now Arsenal languish ten points from first place.

It’s time for Wenger to go back to the drawing board. His decision to start Gavin Hoyte for his first Premier League debut seemed mistimed and a poor decision in hindsight. When Aaron Ramsey came on for Hoyte in the 60th minute, the Welshman made an immediate impression which benefitted Arsenal’s midfield play.

Wenger doesn’t have much time to right the ship. Arsenal plays Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night in the Champions League. And who is their next Premier League opponent? None other than Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. Luiz Felipe Scolari will be licking his chops in anticipation.

Joey Barton is never far from controversy and such was the case today when the Newcastle midfielder returned to professional football. In his game today for Newcastle, he only touched the ball once during the three minutes he played.

In those three minutes, he commited a controversial tackle, showed little respect, was purposefully tripped by an Arsenal midfielder resulting in a yellow card and banged into Arsenal’s top striker.

Here’s exactly what happened during his return to English football today:

• 88:41: Joey Barton comes on for Jonas Gutierrez.
• 88:51: Barton pressures Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas. The Arsenal midfielder passes the ball across the pitch.
• 89:28: Barton touches the ball for the first time when he goes in for a 50/50 ball against Samri Nasri and knocks the ball into touch. Nasri is knocked to the turf from the challenge. Arsenal fans boo Barton.
• 89:31: Barton stares down Nasri and makes a sarcastic smile.
• 89:42: After watching a replay of the tackle in slow motion, TWI commentator Steve Banyard comments on Barton’s tackle by saying “That’s not the way to endear himself back.” “Not at all,” chimed co-commentator Gary O’Reilly. Banyard continued, “And a smile, a sarcastic smile like that, is frankly out of order.” O’Reilly replies, “Oh well.” Banyard adds, “The big campaign of the summer has been respect and Barton showed little of it there.”
• 90:01: Nasri trips Barton on purpose.
• 91:01: Gael Clichy nutmegs Barton.
• 91:14: Barton goes up for a cross in the Newcastle box, misses the ball completely but drives his back into Emmanuel Adebayor, causing the striker to grab his back in pain.
• 91:21: Nasri receives a yellow card from the earlier trip on Barton.
• 91:46: After a long kick upfield by Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, Barton goes up for a 50/50 ball against Gael Clichy but the Arsenal defender gets his head to the ball first and knocks it to William Gallas.
• 92:08: Full-time whistle blows.
• Barton walks down the tunnel, but afterwards Kevin Keegan gets into a heated argument with Gallas and Nasri as the Newcastle manager points his finger at Gallas. Newcastle’s assistant manager Terry McDermott steps in to break things up.

The challenge that Barton made to win the ball was within the law of the game, but what I object to is the manner in which he went in for the tackle. By watching the TV replay, it’s obvious that Barton intended to send a message to Nasri by the way that the Newcastle midfielder drove his right arm into Nasri’s thigh when the tackle took place. Barton could have easily won the ball in a cleaner manner by not using his arm.

Keegan’s response regarding to the controversy was this: “Joey came on, got a good tackle in on Nasri. Then the guy sliced him down. That’s what happened and that’s what I saw, which is what I was upset about.”

Yes the tackle was good, but was unnecessarily rough. Nasri didn’t slice Barton down. He tripped him on purpose.

“I know the referee didn’t see it but the linesman did and it should have been a red card,” said Keegan.

Red card? You’re having a laugh.

“It wasn’t a reckless tackle – it was a good tackle.” Except for the right arm that went charging into Nasri, yes.

For once, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s reaction to a controversial incident was spot on. “I was not surprised by the reaction of the fans – I have been involved in the game long enough not to be surprised by anything,” said Wenger. “Nasri clipped Barton and there was a little incident between them, but he was booked and rightly so.”

Barton’s return to football was full of controversy. Let’s hope that Barton gets his head together if he’s to play any more matches for Newcastle United.

Admit it. There are some players in the Premier League who get under your skin. The type of players you love to hate. But who are they and why do you hate them so much?

Names of players who often get fans irate include:

• Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
• John Terry (Chelsea)
• Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
• El Hadji Diouf (Sunderland)
• Lee Bowyer (West Ham United)
• Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal)
• William Gallas (Arsenal)
• Kevin Davies (Bolton), and
• Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United).

Players are hated for numerous reasons. Diouf won no fans with his spitting, diving and constant bickering. Players such as Adebayor and Lampard didn’t impress anyone with the rumors of them possibly leaving their clubs. Defenders Terry and Ferdinand have won few fans because of their off the pitch incidents, and so on.

Who are the players you hate? And why? Share your stories by clicking the comments link below.

Manchester United 3 – Liverpool 0: The scoreline was unfair, United should have won by more.  Rooney and Ronaldo combined for five fluffed chances.  Captain Stevie disappeared twice for the Reds.  First, when he decided to stop running and not defend on the Wes Brown goal.  Second, when he failed to get between the referee and Mascherano before the second yellow card.  Javier’s post-sendoff Latin shrug produced the lasting picture for the match.  He deserved the red, but Bennett would not have sent him if off at Anfield or if he was English.  Being the big man is easy with a crowd behind you.

Chelsea 2 – Arsenal 1: The Gunners have dropped eleven points to United in five matches – having not won in the league since Feb. 11.  Once five points clear, they reside six points behind, seven with goal difference.  Chelsea passed Arsenal into second, which is likely how it will stay.  Gallas’ decision-making at the back was shocking.  His captaincy requires more than rash rhetoric, alpha-male displays and a stegosaurus hairdo.  A decade in the team is pure Arsene, but maybe that’s not such a great thing.

Newcastle 2 – Fulham o: Newcastle finally get a win under Keegan.  The same lot who heaved Allardyce for not getting to Europe are now erupting like loonies when they beat the 19th place side at home.  Keegan’s last remaining gray hairs will hang on for another week.  Fulham have not won away since 2006, I blame their away kits.  Whatever marketing flunkie chose baby blue from head to toe should be fired.

Reading 2 – Birmingham 1: Reading came out on top in the other relegation six pointer, pushing themselves five points safe.  Memo to Andre Bikey: you must meaningfully manipulate the ball on a goal before celebrating with a flip.