Stoke make Wenger complaint

Stoke have lodged a formal complaint to the FA and Premier League over Arsene Wenger's criticism of Ryan Shawcross.

Potters boss Tony Pulis was left fuming after Wenger accused Stoke defender Shawcross of turning football into rugby after Stoke's defeat to Tottenham's last weekend.
Pulis revealed Stoke have written an official letter of complaint to the Gunners and also sent copies to the Premier League and the Football Association.

Wenger hails Arsenal resilience

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his side's win at Blackburn shows the Gunners have the stomach to mount a Premier League title challenge.

"If you have ambition in this league you have got to win at Blackburn," said Wenger after the 2-1 victory.
"If you fail to win at Blackburn - if you go to clubs like that and don't win - your ambition will not be respected by the other teams.

Relaxed Theo in the mood

Theo Walcott admitted that he is benefiting from a relaxing summer after scoring in Arsenal's 2-1 win against Blackburn.

Walcott, who missed out on Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, fired a stunning 19th-minute opener as the Gunners secured all three points at Ewood Park.

Tottenham host Arsenal in Carling Cup third round

Tottenham will host north London rivals Arsenal in the pick of the Carling Cup third-round ties to be played in the week commencing 20 September.

It gives Spurs new boy William Gallas an early chance to face his old side.
Holders Manchester United are away to Championship side Scunthorpe while last season's beaten finalists Aston Villa host Blackburn.

Fergie unhappy with Wenger

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Arsene Wenger's criticism of Paul Scholes.

Scholes has enjoyed a fine start to the new season with United leading to calls for him to return to the international fold with England.
Wenger admitted last week he was a great admirer of Scholes' ability, but claimed there was a 'darker' side to the midfielder's game.

Squillaci to get physical

Arsenal new boy Sebastien Squillaci is eagerly anticipating the physical challenge that comes with playing in the Premier League.

The experienced France international has joined the Gunners from Sevilla for a fee in the region of £3million.
And Squillaci is confident he has what it takes to be a success in England's top flight.

Blackburn v Arsenal preview

Blackburn Rovers host Arsenal, live on Sky Sports HD2 & 2, aiming to record a repeat of last season's triumph in the corresponding fixture.

Rovers were 2-1 winners at Ewood Park in May this year as Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski endured another outing to forget.
Speaking on Thursday, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger urged referees to ensure that Premier League matches do not become 'rugby', perhaps hinting at Blackburn's sometimes physical approach.
But Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is unlikely to be ruffled by Wenger's words, with the former focused on exploiting their opponents' potential weaknesses.