North London Logic

ESPNSoccernet.com reporst that Wenger has "blasted" Ruud despite apology. The propensity of the media to sensationalise events is once again evident - reading Wenger's comments, one could hardly label it as a "blast" of any significant magnitude!

However, in the aftermath of it all, I applaud RVN for having the courage to own up (which is more than can be said for Dennis Bergkemps misdemeanours of past and present). Perhaps humility may enter the gates of Highbury enough for them to admit that the better team won last Sunday. I can appreciate Wenger's concern in accelerating the Gunner's recovery from their first defeat in 50 games, but by virtually labelling RVN public enemy no.1 that side of London smacks an unnecessary hint of irresponsibility that Highbury's manager was so keen to point out when dealing with Sir Alex's pre-match comments!

I think Gary Neville knew what he was doing, even if Reyes claims to have no prior knowledge of such robust football. That's what the laws of the game are for and frankly, a player of his calibre will surely attract fouls like a naked supermodel in the baddest part of Soho...

Perhaps Henry would like to continue to take offence with Roy Caroll's time wasting antics... but a rewind of events a season ago showed little more urgency on the part of Arsenal having won at Old Trafford. Or perhaps the Arsenal frontline feels that United would just roll-over and play "dead" into their scrubby hands like the rest of the Premier League?

Rude Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United Official Web Site reports that RVN has been charged by the FA with serious foul play - for the uninitiated, it is to do his his "deliberate" foul on Ashley Cole on Sunday. As a Manchester United fan, I remember saying to myself that United need not have resorted to such tactics. Robustness aside, I stand removed from any support of RVN in this matter. A player of his calibre should not soil his tremendous track record with a despicable act of this sort! As bias as I may be, video replays unveiled his intentions plain and simple.I am sorry Ruud. It's time to own up and take responsibility - that is the way of champions, which I no dount believe you still are...