All the news and gossip from the past 24 hours at The Emirates.
Jamie Carragher says that while the Arsenal attackers are receiving the plaudits for their recent run of excellent form, the defenders are being overlooked.
He singled out Kieran Gibbs for particular praise, who he thinks should be ready to challenge Leighton Baines and Ashley Cole for the number one spot at international level.
‘’I’ve been particularly impressed with Kieran Gibbs. He’s had a lot of injury problems over the last two years and that’s stunted his progress. It’s about time he really pushed on and cemented his place at Arsenal.
He’s a left-back everybody has talked about for a long time. England have a lot of quality in that position with Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines but it’s time for Gibbs to step up at Arsenal and at international level.’’
Mesut Ozil has been singled out for praise in the press after his performance in the 2-0 win against Napoli last night, which included a sumptuous goal. The BBC have been singing his praises from above the crowd – declaring him as the player ‘daring Arsenal fans to dream again’.
Unfortunately the game has been marred this morning by reports of hooligan behaviour from Napoli fans. The reputation of the Partenopei Ultras appears to have preceded them – after they stormed a popular match-day hangout for Gunners fans.
Italians rate Ozil a 7.5 out of 10 and Giroud 7 – Too low?
In scenes described as ‘something out of the early 80s’ Piebury Corner on Holloway road was trashed and one fan was taken to hospital after being hit by a stool.
This happened before the game, and two people ended up requiring hospital treatment.
Arsenal youngster Jack Jebb, a promising England youth international, has been banned for four games for racial abuse.
It is reported he abused a player in a game against Norwich City last season – and action was taken after it was reported by match officials.
Jebb denied the allegation but was found guilty by an independent FA disciplinary commission.
The situation has been given more spice after Jebb started in the UEFA Youth League game against Napoli tonight.
Read about it here…
Arsenal teen starts in UEFA Youth League … a day after being charged with racial abuse
image: © Ronnie Macdonal
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