Editor’s note: Our illustrious author has gone missing and is presumed MIA. I imagine he’s somewhere in the jungles of Peru with a bad case of Ebola after an unfortunate sortie with fruit bats. Or something like that. As such, I’ll be filling in for him this week as well. Apologies for the article being published late. Fortunately, there’s a lot to talk about. Onwards!

As a Gunner, I must say I was devastated by this weekends games. Arsenal lost to Middlesbrough (2-1) in what I’m calling the upset of the season. The loss ended Arsenal’s unbeaten streak thus far in the Premier League. Boro went ahead courtesy of a Stewart Downing penalty after Toure brought down former Arsenal striker Aliadiere. The penalty was justified and fair in my eyes. Boro doubled their lead thanks to a Tuncay Sanli strike and confirmed Arsenal were heading for their first defeat of the season. A late Rosicky goal wasn’t enough to repair the damage and in the end, Arsenal got their just dues for a middling, sloppy performance. Wenger claims to be happy despite a one time six point lead atop the table being cut down to just one. He writes the weak game-play off to a string of tough games before the matchup and the host of injuries. Not an excuse for me, but I’m happy knowing Van Persie is back in the lineup. We just need the Cesc back.

Further shaking things up, Reading trounced the other previously unbeaten team in the League, Liverpool, 3-1 confirming Lady Luck cancelled not one, but, two of her dates this weekend (and was replaced by the ugly Murphy’s Law). The game started brightly with end-to-end football but surprisingly, the first goal came courtesy of a penalty. The next from Gerrard (penetrating Reading for the 33rd time this season, cor!) tied the game until half-time with Liverpool seemingly the stronger team. Despite starting the second half with purpose, the Reds fell two behind thanks to a somewhat lucky goal from Doyle and a clinical finish from Harper. In all, a good showing by Reading, they’ll be properly enthused. As for the Reds, well, Rafa may once again be wondering if his job is secure.

Arsenal’s closest competitor saw of Derby this weekend 4-1 but the score somewhat belies the nature of the game. I wouldn’t call it a trouncing even though four goals in any game is a feast. I thought Derby put up a fine resistance early on and the can take some comfort from their one goal (their first in seven games, their first away goal and the big striker, Howard’s, first of the season). Ronaldo (penalty), Giggs and Tevez (brace) all scored. Manchester United seem to be playing consistently and winning well of late. It would appear they’ve shrugged of the sketchy form they displayed earlier in the season, worrying for the Gunners who appear to be in the middle of their rut. Derby remain bottom of the table in the relegation zone (along with Wigan & Sunderland).

Chelsea last played Sunderland in a game not too dissimilar from Man U’s last matchup. Sunderland provided from dogged resistance early but never possessed the organization or foresight to unlock Chelsea’s defense and trouble Cudicini. Goals from Scheva and Lampard (penalty) saw off the Black Cats. Schevchenko looked a but sharper in the game but I still think he was a fantastic waste of money. Drogba, Chelsea’s talismanic brute of a striker is out for three weeks following a knee operation. Keep in mind the Ivorian has more goals this season that Kalou and Schevy combined. Given the decent performance of the Blues of late, it seems as no surprise then that Avram Grant’s contract has been extended to four years.

Last week BennyBoy mentioned (in the comments) three games which were probably a good watch (though he cautioned not good to be playing from a Fantasy Football point of view). They were Aston Villa v. Portsmouth, Man City v. Tottenham and Blackburn v. West Ham. I’ll go over these briefly before ending. I had put Mac City coming out ahead against the Spurs, sadly, Tottenham did the business and pulled through 2-1 courtesy a late Defoe goal. It was, as predicted, as good game to watch and Berbatov seems to be back to his best. Man City were unfortunate not to get a draw but they should be happy knowing their midfield sensation, Elano, is coming back into the fold. West Ham topped the Rovers 1-0 in a fighting display away from home with Dean Ashton tapping in the winning goal. Blackburn seemed to be the better team initially but the Hammers rallied. In reality, both teams lack the edge which explains their standings in the table (plonk in the middle). The Portsmouth-Villa game was a great watch if your a fan of the Potty. The first goal came against the run of play (Villa dominating) after Gardner scored an own-goal. Muntari followed by scoring a brace, the first with his left foot, the second after ditching two defenders. It was a delight to watch. Villa clawed one back after Barry put his penalty shot into the back of the net but it was of little consolation of a wet day at Villa Park. That wraps up my roundup of last week’s EPL games.

In other news, Fabio Capello is to become the new coach of the England team. Mourinho had confirmed earlier in the week he wasn’t interested.

In Euro football, five Manc fans were stabbed in the Italian capital ahead of Man U’s game with Roma. Six Britons were arressted in the ensuing fracas of which four have been charged by Italian police. This despite extra security measures being put in place ahead of game (given the history of violence at Roma-Man U games). ‘Tis the hooligan way of life I suppose.

Anyway, we’ve got a fantastic Footy Fetish show for you today and I’m happy to note the show has been lengthened to a full hour. This weeks roundup of injuries and suspensions is shown below as is the mini player (for when you miss the live broadcast of the radio show). Do listen in to the show, we give out the call-in number once live. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the comments!

FOOTY FETISH SHOW SUMMARY:

For a list of injuries, click HERE.

For a list of suspended players, click HERE.

For a list of players soon to begin suspension, click HERE.

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