Andy Carroll made headlines for the right reasons as his goal
gave Newcastle a shock 1-0 win over title-chasing Arsenal at Emirates
Stadium.
Carroll, tipped to feature in England's senior squad for the friendly
with France later this month, had started the day on the front pages
following allegations about his private life.
However, under the close eye of watching England boss Fabio Capello,
the Newcastle number nine headed in what proved to be the winner
at the end of the first half.
Although Arsenal twice hit the woodwork through Cesc Fabregas'
deflected free-kick and Theo Walcott, the Gunners were well below
par and their miserable afternoon was compounded by the dismissal
of centre-back Laurent Koscielny in stoppage time for a professional
foul.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had also found his personal life under
the media spotlight ahead of this fixture.
Nevertheless, the French coach will have expected nothing but 100%
focus from his team, whom he felt were complacent when throwing
away an early lead in their midweek European tie.
|
