Friday gossip

That Kolo Toure, what a good bloke. Despite his own recent
troubles, the Blues centre-half today spares a thought for his mentor
Arsene Wenger, going through hard times himself.


Arsenal's worst start in more than 50 years has affected even
Arsene's usual jocular demeanour as fans and critics discuss the
manager's future while he's there with them in the room.




But as sportinglife.com reports, his Arsenal old boy Kolo stands firm in the Wenger camp.

In a story that bears the fingerprints of tenacious PA Manchester
man Simon Stone, they quote the Ivorian: "This time is really hard for Mr Wenger but he is really strong and a very intelligent manager.

"It makes me feel a little sad because at the moment they are really unlucky and still play good football.

"He is somebody that makes players better. I came from nowhere. I was in Africa and nobody believed in me.


"I wish him all the best and know he will come out of this strong because he is definitely a top manager."

Kolo returned to action on Wednesday night after a six-month ban. Carlos Tevez played too, but failed to score against Birmingham and hasn't done enough to impress Argentina's new manager.

Sports Illustrated reports from Buenos Aires that Alejandro Sabella,
once of Leeds and Sheffield United, has again left El Apache out of the
squad to face Chile and Venezuela next month in World Cup qualifiers
(they start early in South America, where it's one big, happy qualifying
group).

The US giant says: "Tevez was not selected by Sabella for recent
friendlies and did not play well with Barcelona star Lionel Messi during
the Copa America."

There's a silver lining for Blues fans, of course. They add that "Sergio Aguero, Tevez's team-mate at Manchester City, is likely to team up front with Messi". And Pablo Zabaleta is included.

And just in case you think the global village means news is old
within 15 minutes these digital days, here's the latest headline from
the Himalayan Times: "Man City ease through".

There's also a mountain rescue in Nepal and an earthquake in
Tonga. Which puts the third round of the Carling Cup neatly in
perspective ...

Tevez isn't doing himself any favours at all, is he? Last season he was captain and a nailed on cert to start every game, but now he's lost the armband and his place and can only get on the pitch for second tier cup ties against inferior competition. And even then he can't raise his game enough to make anyone think twice about leaving him out.



Zaba isn't a nailed on starter either, but the fact he's been picked for Argentina's squad is proof that he definitely shows he's up for the game at whatever level it is. And I hope he gets to play a few games for them as well.

Zab's been Argentina's captain recently leo, whereas i think Tevez is seen as a disruptive influence and not a team player.

He was only captain for one match though, wasn't he? Still, let's not take anything away from him - I've seen him bleed for our club on many occasions and he still keeps going. Like the Terminator!!

Tevez still isn't 100% match fit, he also needs to start scoring, if only for his confidence. otherwise it's going to be another Wayne Bridge scenario, sitting on his arse for shitlaods until we ship him out.