Soccermad In America: Premiership Grab Bag September 10,2006

Arsenal continue to sputter against Boro
In their worst start to a Premiership season, Arsenal dropped points again at Emirates Stadium, needing a foul committed by England international Stewart Downing to score via an Henry penalty. Again, the Gunners found their opponents playing deep behind the ball as they loitered around Middlesbrough’s box but lacked that final pass or touch to find the net. The give and from Jason Euell to James Morrison that lead to a cool finish from Morrison made the Arsenal defense, especially Johan Djourou, look sloppy.
Perhaps last year’s Champions League runners-up still don’t feel at home in theirnew stadium. The pitch is nine meters wider than the one at Highbury, and there is a definite concern the lack of width in Arsene Wenger’s men. With a Champions League campaign to begin, and ten points separating them from the top spot in on the table, the Gunners find themselves desperately searching for answers to their scoring inability. One point made by the hosts on Setanta: If McClaren is rewarded for losing to Arsenal 7-0 with the England manager post, what should Gareth Southgate get for nearly beating the Gunners in their new stadium?

Moyes’ men dominate the derby
Liverpool found themselves blanked by their Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park. An opening Tim Cahill goal and a brace for Andy Johnson made Rafa Benitez fume on the sideline. As the Reds leave for Eindhoven their defense looks fairly shaky, and John Arne Riise being out for another 10 to 15 days doesn’t help. They didn’t look completely horrible, but enough for some concern if you’re a Reds fan, and Pepe Reina’s howling blunder. For Everton this was the first time they’ve scored three in a Merseyside derby in over forty years. Andy Johnson is hoping to be the hero that Goodison Park has been looking for since Wayne Rooney left for Manchester United.