Once again Arsene Wenger has been handed a one match touchline ban and a fine for comments made during and after a game where Arsenal contrived to throw away points. His latest slap on the wrist follows Saturday's draw away to Sunderland where Wenger blew up on the touchline over what he adjudged to be excessive extra time.
Letter of the law says that the FA are correct in the handling of this matter, and Wenger has been punished by the new fast track system. Of course, this is the same "fast track system" that has yet to place any severe sanctions on Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson who continues his boycott of the BBC. This is of course, against the rules, but we all know Sir Alex is often above them.
On to more important matters and the short trip down the road to White Hart Lane for tomorrow's Third Round Carling Cup tie with Spurs.
The Carling Cup isn't high on the list of priorities for Gooners, and is often just a chance to see the kids get a run out. However, this is Spurs, and this makes victory paramount.
Injuries are plenty on both sides, and truth be told, Tottenham have the slightly stronger options available. However, they are severely depleted at the back while Arsenal can call upon the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou to give the first-teamers a breather.
The squad has yet to be announced, but with pressure on to win a trophy and especially beat Spurs, Wenger may well opt to include some of Emmanuel Eboue, Marouane Chamackh, Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky in the travelling contingent.
The first North London derby of the season is just hours away, and as ever, us Gunners cannot wait.
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