Thomas Vermaelen returns to action for Arsenal and declares himself fit for the weekend game against Chelsea. David Moyes reckons Jack Rodwell is benefitting from Mikel Arteta’s departure, while Roberto Martinez lavishes praise on one of his Wigan wingers. Here’s this morning’s Scribbles, folks:
Last night saw the return of Thomas Vermaelen to first-team action for the first time in two months. The Belgian played in Arsenal’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Bolton but was withdrawn towards the end of the game and while post-match reports had earlier indicated he had to come off due to a calf problem, Vermaelen confirmed after the game to he was fine:
It was great to be back and to get time on the pitch. I felt fresh, I’m OK and am available for Saturday.
Ju-Young Park scored in only his second game for Arsenal last night as the Gunners came back from one down to send Bolton out of the cup. Arsene Wenger sang the praises of the South Korean and reckons he’s now in the mix for league action:
He showed intelligence in his link play with others, the quality of his movement was exceptional and his finishing was absolutely fantastic. He’s ready to play a league game.
Sir Alex Ferguson named a strong side for Man United’s trip to Aldershot last night. Nemanja Vidic’s return to domestic action saw him partnered with Phil Jones in the heart of the back-four, while the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia celebrated rare starts by grabbing a goal each in the 3-0 win.
With a goal and assist in the weekend game at Fulham, Jack Rodwell caught the eye. Speaking yesterday, David Moyes reckons the red card the midfielder received against Liverpool, and its subsequent withdrawal by the FA, has helped improve Rodwell’s game. Moyes also went on to admit Mikel Arteta’s move to Arsenal has had a positive impact on the player:
In a way, I think the backing he has got off everyone after the red card has actually helped him – to see everyone felt it was the right thing to do has shown him his tackle was a good tackle. He’s tackling in training and the way he’s gone about things has improved….I think Jack’s feeling as if he might have to be one of the main men since Mikel left. Before, he was always just ‘the boy’. He has to take on that mantle and he’s just beginning to look as though he might be able to carry it. He’s got the ability to score with both feet and he’s a good striker of the ball. I think he’s beginning to believe a wee bit more.
Owen Hargreaves is injured again. The midfielder is out of tonight’s Carling Cup game with Wolves and is set to miss the weekend’s league match with Mick McCarthy’s side after suffering a knock in training. Hargreaves received a kick on the calf that has prevented him from training for the last few days, though is expected to return to full training with Man City this morning. Coach David Platt described it as nothing more than a niggle.
Aston Villa have suspended Barry Bannan until further notice amid allegations of drink driving. The young Scotsman has made a strong start to the domestic campaign but a club statement announced he will be unavailable for this weekend’s trip to Sunderland. Villa received some good news yesterday, though, with Chris Herd’s red card overturned by the FA after his wrongful dismissal against West Brom last Saturday. Alan Hutton is doubtful for the weekend, however, after picking up a facial injury in the home defeat by the Baggies.
Man City finally found Carlos Tevez guilty at a disciplinary hearing yesterday, after the Argentine’s defiance at Bayern Munich a few weeks back. The bottom line, though, is that he is now available for selection to Roberto Mancini, though it’s doubtful whether the City boss will ever recall his former skipper. Tevez looks set to appeal the decision and reports even suggest he is looking to sue Mancini for defamation of character.
Roberto Martinez reckons the return to fitness of Albert Crusat will be significant to Wigan’s bid to push up the table. The winger has been blighted with an ankle injury since joining the Latics this summer but made his first start in last weekend’s narrow defeat at Newcastle. Martinez said yesterday:
The way Albert plays, the explosive pace he has and the impact he can make, can really kick-start our season. It was great to see him involved at Newcastle and I thought he looked very sharp.As you saw, Albert is a player who will flourish in the Premier League, someone who’ll give us a lot of options in attack. We have to be patient with him while he finds his feet, but, once he does that properly, he’ll be worth the wait.
Newcastle suffered an injury blow yesterday with the announcement that Cheik Tiote is a doubt for Monday night’s trip to Stoke due to a knee problem. The Ivorian has been an ever-present in Alan Pardew’s midfield this season and has been instrumental in their unbeaten start to the campaign. Steven Taylor has a broken nose but is likely to play, though should miss tonight’s Carling Cup match with Blackburn.
Tony Pulis received some good news on the defensive front yesterday. Jonathan Woodgate has missed the last three Stoke games due to a calf problem but could feature in tonight’s Carling Cup clash with Liverpool.
