The Wanker Barton, Again!

It was not the best of start but it was not the worst either. Though it could have been better.

Just as he did in the 4-4 epic towards the end of last season at the same venue, Joey Barton played the central role in getting an Arsenal player sent off. This time it was debutant Gervinho who fell victim to the provocation by one of the game bad boys.

For mad redo1. the goal-less draw saw a typical Arsenal match when they did much of the running, opening up play all over the pitch but could not deliver the final ball that would damage the opposition.

But keeping a clean sheet at a stadium where you conceded four last season was itself a good achievement with the defence performing well in repelling the home side's attacks. Goalkeeper Wos Szczesny continued his good form with another clean sheet after the one he kept for his country prior to this match. Even though, in truth there was nothing much he had to do throughout the match.

On the other hand, Arsenal also failed to test the opposition goalkeeper, Tim Krul enough to deserve any goal. The only time he went down with much concern was when substitute Theo Walcott managed to unleash a shot which was quite routine for the goalkeeper to gather.

Thus it showed what should be a concern for many Arsenal fans this season. With the imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas to Catalan and the unsettled nature of another playmaker, Samir Nasri where will the creativity to unlock defence will come from.

Of course the emerging talent of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey could give Gooners some peace of mind but for the duo to last throughout the season without any injury and suspension will be like praying for the rain to fall in the Sahara desert every weekend.

But a point is good enough especially during this 'troubled' time. Now, there is a matter of Udinese for the Gunners in midweek for a place in the Champions' League group stage.

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