What Sven Saw

Every week TheFA.com will review the matches scouted by England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and his assistant Tord Grip.

This week Sven went to Everton v Manchester United on Saturday and Arsenal v Newcastle on Sunday, while Tord Grip watched Portsmouth v Tottenham.

Thierry Henry proved he is a worthy captain for Arsenal as he helped beat Newcastle 2-0 - but it was Scott Parker who had England fans talking at Highbury.

Henry’s late penalty, followed by a superb goal on the break from Robin van Persie, earned Arsenal victory and got the Premiership title race off to a quick start.

But it took a first half sending-off for Three Lions midfielder Jermaine Jenas, which Newcastle felt was harsh, to break Newcastle’s resolve in front of England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

In fact, Graeme Souness’ side battled well against the Gunners all afternoon, with Parker hugely impressive in a holding midfield role.

This is a crucial season for the talented midfielder, who opted to leave Chelsea in search of first team football - and already he looks like an excellent signing.

Newcastle ended the match disappointed and frustrated with the final score, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had a few words of consolation - even though he felt his side deserved their victory.

He said: "I am confident that this Newcastle team will win games away from home because they have a good midfield, they can keep the ball and they have a good work rate. You need to be very physically strong against them."

As for Arsenal, they started slowly but grew in stature - with England left-back Ashley Cole determined against a Newcastle side that also included Three Lions stars Kieron Dyer and Steven Taylor.

On Saturday, Sven watched Everton take on Manchester United and was boosted by a hugely impressive performance from Wayne Rooney.

The striker scored in a 2-0 victory, making the most of a terrible back-pass from Joseph Yobo after Ruud van Nistelrooy had earlier put United 1-0 ahead.

Rooney said afterwards: "I have had a long pre-season and I feel fit and sharp. Hopefully I can make that last the season and into the World Cup finals as well."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also praised his young striker, leaving Sven in no doubt about the youngster’s form.

He said: "Wayne was man of the match as far as I was concerned. He was fantastic. He took his goal well and I was pleased with his performance."

Other England players in action included TheFA.com’s new columnist Phil Neville, who impressed in midfield and almost scored with a rasping shot.

He was given the task of looking after Roy Keane in midfield and did an admirable job. His brother Gary was his usual solid self for United, as was Rio Ferdinand.

Over at Fratton Park, Tord Grip was on hand to see Jermain Defoe put in a marvellous show just four days before he is due to lead the England attack in Denmark.

The striker scored one goal, set up another and had three further chances go close as Spurs beat Portsmouth 2-0 away from home.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol was full of praise for the Three Lions star, especially his perfect finish from an acute angle.

Jol said: "He took his goal so well. That is the difference with a player like him. At first I thought he wasn't even looking towards the goal but he knew how to put just the right weight on the ball to guide it in."

England keeper Paul Robinson proved his fitness by playing 90 minutes, while Michael Dawson, Anthony Gardner, Wayne Routledge and Michael Carrick also featured.