Mikel Arteta has hit out at the Premier League’s decision to ban the use of towels to dry footballs before throw-ins, jokingly suggesting his Arsenal players might have to wear hats to circumvent the new rules. The Gunners boss fears the protocol change could blunt one of his side's most effective attacking weapons ahead of the new campaign.
One should always be wary of reading too much into friendlies but it's clear that some clubs - and players - are in better shape than others ahead of the big kick-off...
Arsenal might have just sent a chilling warning to the rest of the Premier League by dismantling Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta isn't satisfied yet. Despite a dominant 3-0 victory in the Community Shield, the Gunners boss is demanding reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are set to receive a significant financial windfall following Rodri's imminent transfer to Barcelona. The Spanish rivals will benefit directly from FIFA's solidarity mechanism after the Catalan giants agreed a massive summer deal with Manchester City for the midfielder.
IF Gnistan
