Wenger keeps faith with troublesome troop

Arsene Wenger kept faith with all six players charged this week following the controversial clash at Old Trafford as Arsenal …

Arsene Wenger kept faith with all six players charged this week following the controversial clash at Old Trafford as Arsenal returned to action against Newcastle tonight.

Sol Campbell, whose father died last week, was not yet ready to resume his place in a defence which therefore again featured Martin Keown alongside Kolo Toure.

Keown was joined in the side by Ray Parlour, Patrick Vieira, Lauren, Ashley Cole and Jens Lehmann, who will all be defending themselves against their misconduct charges brought by the Football Association in personal hearings.

Robert Pires was, meanwhile, kept on the bench, while the only change to the side was enforced as Sylvain Wiltord replaced Dennis Bergkamp, who sustained a leg injury at Old Trafford.

READ MORE

The spotlight was on Arsenal's disciplinary record as much as their performance, although Wenger was still determined for his side to stretch their lead at the top of the Barclaycard Premiership table to four points.

Newcastle, who have yet to win in the league this season, were without Jonathan Woodgate, who is ruled out through injury, as well as Nolberto Solano, while Lee Bowyer replaced Gary Speed in midfield.