Premier League Round-Up

Gervinho is sent off. Photograph Lee Smith/Action Images.

The game that generated the most discussion this weekend was probably Arsenal’s goalless draw with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. The Gunners were returning to the site of their biggest humiliation last season, the infamous game in which they squandered a four-goal half-time lead to end up drawing 4-4.

Arsene Wenger will probably not have relished kicking off his new campaign in the north-east, especially in the light of the past week’s events which have seen the departures of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri become almost inevitable. Both players’ absences were sorely felt in an Arsenal side lacking any kind of real cutting edge.

In truth, the game was a rather drab affair until Arsenal’s biggest summer signing, Gervinho, attempted to win a penalty by making the most of a slight challenge from Cheik Tiote. He then got involved in an incident with Newcastle’s infamous hardman, Joey Barton.

Barton, of course, has been the subject of intense media speculation himself over the last week or so thanks to some refreshingly honest tweets he made alluding to some dressing-room dissatisfaction with manager Alan Pardew. Barton only has one year remaining on his current contract, and after refusing to agree to a long-standing contract offer, the Newcastle board decided that enough was enough: Barton was placed on the transfer list and was told that his services were no longer required.

This seemed like a bold move from the Newcastle hierarchy; despite his documented off-field problems, Barton was a hugely influential player for the Magpies last season, and his loss would be a blow. In the end, Barton seems to have patched up his differences with the club (temporarily, at least), and his importance to the team was proven by the fact that he was still named in the starting line-up.

After drawing a stamp from Alex Song earlier in the match, Barton hauled Gervinho back to his feet after the Arsenal midfielder had gone down over slight contact inside the penalty area. A scramble ensued involving a number of players, before Gervinho raised his hands to Barton’s face. Again, the contact was minimal, but the referee saw it and had no option but to dismiss the Arsenal player.

Much has been made of the fact that Barton made a meal of the supposed “slap” from Gervinho. Barton has even admitted since (via Twitter) that he was “merely highlighting [that] he struck me.”

Barton was booked for his part in the incident, which was probably about right. Gervinho was sent off, which was perhaps a little harsh, but when you raise your hands to another player’s face, it usually only ever ends one way.

Gervinho’s departure did not help the Gunners’ cause in the slightest. Already lacking the creative spark usually provided by Fábregas and Nasri, Wenger’s men could not provide Robin van Persie with any meaningful service for the rest of the match.

Earlier in the summer, Wenger was quoted as saying that if Arsenal sold Fábregas and Nasri that they could not be considered a “big club.” With both players soon to leave, where does this leave Arsenal? Wenger this morning expressed concern that his team could become a feeder club for the other big teams in the division; a worrying prospect indeed for all Arsenal fans.

Although Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005, they have not been failures in that period. However, the definition of success at a club like Arsenal is very different from that of other, smaller clubs. The pressure to win trophies is huge, and will only increase now that ticket prices at the Emirates Stadium have been increased by 6% for the upcoming season. If spectators pay a premium price, they expect to see a premium product. The sale of two of the Premier League’s best players does not constitute a premium product.

Arsenal will struggle this year, and could well finish outside the top four. This would be disastrous, and the pressure on Wenger could become too much to bear. It’s now make or break time for Wenger and his policy of youth – expect it to break.

Talking Points:

• Blackburn and QPR are many pundits’ tips to get relegated this season, and their performances on the opening day will have done nothing to change this. Despite going ahead, Blackburn looked very fragile at home to Wolves, and QPR also started well before being demolished by a Bolton side lacking options up front. Both teams need to strengthen, and both will struggle this year.
• Unlike fellow promoted club QPR, Norwich look set for a better season, despite arriving in the Premier League on the back of two successive promotions. Paul Lambert is a very capable manager, and a decent performance was rewarded with a 1-1 draw away at Wigan. Sterner tests await, but the early signs are good.
• Liverpool looked very dangerous in the first half against Sunderland, with Luis Suarez in particular looking as though he will cause many teams problems this season. They didn’t turn up for the second half, though, and Kenny Dalglish will have to achieve a bit more consistency if they are to finish in the top four.
• Fernando Torres played well against Stoke City, with a number of lively runs and touches. If he continues to play like this, his goal return will be far better than last season and Didier Drogba might find himself on the bench more often. At one point, Chelsea had Torres, Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on the pitch at the same time, suggesting that Andre Villas-Boas still hasn’t quite worked out his best striking line-up.
• Manchester United score late to win a game? Some things never change. Still, after looking irresistible for twenty minutes, United had to put in a dogged performance to overcome a well-organised West Brom side. West Brom should comfortably avoid relegation this year under Hodgson’s guidance. For United, question marks remain over David de Gea in goal, and Ashley Young, although playing well, could do with improving his crossing accuracy.

Results in full:

Blackburn Rovers 1 – 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers; Fulham 0 – 0 Aston Villa; Liverpool 1 – 1 Sunderland; Newcastle United 0 – 0 Arsenal; Queens Park Rangers 0 – 4 Bolton Wanderers; Stoke City 0 – 0 Chelsea; West Bromwich Albion 1 – 2 Manchester United; Wigan Athletic 1 – 1 Norwich City; Manchester City v. Swansea City (Monday).

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