Mick McCarthy believes that Arsenal are the best attacking team in the country, but with a weakness at set-pieces that gives Wolverhampton Wanderers hope of scoring at Molineux today. The Wolves manager said: “If we are looking for any frailty, they’ve conceded a few goals. They don’t defend corners better than anyone in the league and don’t defend throw-ins or free kicks any better.”

However, Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is convinced that his team’s last line of defence, Manuel Almunia, has regained his best form. The goalkeeper missed most of September because of a chest infection and had to cope with the death of his mother-in-law. But the Spaniard returned in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium a week ago and played in the 4-1 home victory over Alkmaar in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“He looks back to his best,” Wenger said. “He needs a few games to get used to playing again but I’m not worried about him. I don’t think Manuel plays with fear. His confidence is back.”

Strike put on hold

The Spanish league will negotiate with the Government before deciding whether to call a strike over a proposed change in tax laws. The league held an extraordinary general meeting yesterday to discuss the scrapping of the loophole known as “Beckham’s law” that entitles foreigners to drastically reduced tax charges. Another meeting is scheduled for November 19 for further discussion.

Hughton sits pretty

Chris Hughton is unconcerned by accusations that he is Mike Ashley’s “yes-man” at Newcastle United, whose supporters will protest today against the owner’s decision to rename their ground Sportsdirect.com@St James’ Park. Hughton was appointed permanent manager by Ashley last week. “It doesn’t hurt,” Hughton said. “I have one responsibility and that is to manage this group of lads.”

Britannia extension

Stoke City have extended their shirt sponsorship deal with Britannia by another four years. The club have secured a new agreement worth almost £4 million, which means that Britannia, now part of the Co-operative Financial Services, will continue as their principal sponsor up to 2013. The deal extends the shirt sponsorship to 16 years in a relationship that began in 1997.

Fulham’s missing links

Fulham will be without Erik Nevland and Paul Konchesky for their Europa League match against CSKA Sofia at Craven Cottage on December 3 after their dismissals in the 2-1 defeat away to Roma on Thursday. Both players received straight red cards, but will be available for the final group match — away to Basle on December 16. Fulham must win both matches to ensure progress from group E.

Southampton hang on

Southampton held on to beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 to reach the second round of the FA Cup last night. Two second-half goals from David Connolly and one by Michail Antonio put the visiting side in control, but Darryl Duffy and Jeff Hughes, from the penalty spot, made it interesting. Elsewhere, Huddersfield Town overwhelmed Dagenham & Redbridge 6-1 and Notts County beat Bradford City 2-1.

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