Three more Carling Cup ties were played out last night as the Premiership big boys all eased their way through. Arsenal meanwhile, cruised past the Spartans from Prague. Here’s my notes on the nights events…
Sven took his side to Bristol City and came back with a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Mpenza and Bianchi. City fileded a weakened side with the likes of Hart, Sun Jihai, Ball, Gelson and Logan getting runouts. The did play in a 4-4-2 for the first time, suggesting that Sven may well be thinking of a switch in emphasis in the near future although a 4-5-1 looks likely at Blackburn on Sunday with Mpenza in the driving seat for a start.
Boro won their home time with Northampton 2-0 with goals form Lee and a free-kick from Rochemback. Southgate handed starts to Johnson, Cattermole and Lee. Arca and Woodgate both missed the games with knocks while Andrew Davies picked up an injury in the game and was subbed after half an hour.
Michael Owen got off the mark for the season in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Barnsley. Owen started up front with Ameobi but it was Martins, coming off the bench, who netted the second late on. Big Sam handed starts to new signings Cacapa and Enrique in defence, while Solano returned, coming in at right-back. Emre also started in midfield but was subbed on the hour mark with a thigh injury. Given was back in goal for Harper and is likely to hold down his place for the weekend’s Premiership outing against Wigan. NZogbia was pushed forward to left midfield having played at left-back all season and, given his current form, should keep his place for the weekend and could be worth a look.
Meanwhile Arsenal breezed past Sparta with a 3-0 scoreline to add to the 2-0 victory in Prague. Rosicky, Fabregas and Eduardo got the goals. That’s a third goal of the season for Fabregas, signs that he’s certainly upping his game when it comes to finding the net. With 4 of the next 6 at home, he, along with Van Persie, looks a hot property. Tonights lineup saw a return to action for Diaby and Senderos after injuries. Senderos should be in line to take his place in the back four for the weekend with Gilberto continuing in his accustomed midfield role.