Tempers flow in season opener

In a game of not many chances Arsenal drew 0-0 with Newcastle in their season opener but the game was overshadowed by Gervinho's red card towards the end of the game, as things got ugly at St James' Park last Saturday. Arsene Wenger was forced to play an understrength team as Fabregas was nearing a move to Barcelona, Nasri not in the right mind to play and Wilshere out injured. New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the bench and Gervinho made his competitive debut for the club.

Gervinho and Taylor challenge for the ball

The first good chance of the game fell to Rosicky as Ramsey found him on the edge of the box but he could only side foot his chance just wide of the goal.

The next chance fell to the new skipper, Robin Van Persie. Gervinho put the ball in which Taylor could only clear into the body of Coloccini. The ball then found its way to Van Persie as he saw his deflected shot bounce just wide of Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal.

Arsenal were dominating the early parts of the game and they had a great chance to take the lead as Rosicky's corner was met by the head of Koscielny but the ball was cleared off the line.

Gervinho is sent off for a slap on Barton

The first chance of the second half once again fell to the Gunners. Van Persie curling in a free kick from the edge of the box but the ball went just over the bar.

Then the first controversial thing of the match happened as Barton and Song tussled for possession of the ball before Barton went down. Song then stamped on Barton but the referee did not see anything and Song was not punished.

Walcott then almost gave the visitors the lead as he got into the box and got past his man before hitting a shot straight at Krul.

Towards the end of the game the moment happened that overshadowed the whole match. Gervinho cut inside and then appeared to have dived but was actually clipped in the penalty area. The referee did not give a penalty, However as the referee turned his back Barton picked up Gervinho and most of the players got involved in a scrap. Gervinho then slapped Barton in the face and was sent off for his troubles. Joey Barton was only cautioned for his part in the brawl.

The final score ended Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky(84), Ramsey(90), Arshavin(60), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(90), Jenkinson, Frimpong(84), Walcott(60), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.

Newcastle: Krul, S. Taylor, Coloccini, R. Taylor, Simpson, Barton, Cabaye(76), Tiote, Gutierrez, Ameobi(70), Ba(46).
Subs: Forster, Williamson, Gosling, Obertan(46), Sammy Ameobi, Lovenkrands(76), Best(70).

Referee: Peter Walton
Attendance: 46,894