Aleksandr Hleb took over from the injured Cesc Fabregas as the creative leader of the side and he was unplayable

I am still in awe of that first half performance, it was simply outstanding. I enjoyed watching both Rosicky and Hleb playing well at the same time because it seems like they have taken turns to perform this season.

The latter was out of this world. Aleksandr Hleb took over from the injured Cesc Fabregas as the creative leader of the side and he was unplayable. The only thing missing from his performance was a goal. He took the game by the scruff of the neck when we went a goal down and drove at Aston Villa whenever he was on the ball. He linked the midfield and attack with both feet with sumptuous ease.

Like I have said before, the team could easily be built around Hleb as well as Cesc.

The second half was the complete opposite. Aston Villa stepped up a level and we stopped passing the ball. Diarra was either fantastic or wasteful in possession. Hleb and Gilberto started their Arsenal career like that so you can expect that to correct itself in time if he gets enough playing time.

I thought Gilberto was fantastic when he came on and he reminded us all of what he gives when he is in the side. Villa were overrunning us in midfield before he came on but when he did he played in the hole infront of Gallas and behind Diarra. He covered the fullbacks whenever they were caught up the pitch and really had a calming influence to the team.

Another outstanding performer was Mathieu Flamini, who was acting more like Mathieu Gerrard. He was box to box and has an uncanny knack of being in the right place in the box. His goal was taken superbly with his wrong foot. It is hard to hit the ball as powerfully as that on your weaker side. His passing has improved a hell of alot since he joined us.

Arsene Wenger summed it up brilliantly when he described it as ‘Brilliant and Resilient’ that was the case for both halves. It looked to me like a championship winning performance.

I was furious when Carew took Hleb out of the game with an awful foul that was an amber card. More than a yellow but the ref wouldn’t give a red.

I don’t really know how bad his injury is, we know that he won’t be available for Newcastle which is a massive shame. Question for you..

If you could have one of the available for Newcastle, would you choose to have Cesc or Hleb back for that game? After last night I would rather keep that team to be honest. Not for one minute saying that Cesc would be left out of the side though.

Rumour has it that big roly poly Allardyce could be sacked if we beat them, forget the title, that is the biggest incentive the team would get.

Enjoy your day, back tomorrow.

Squid Boy’s Match Review will be on later.