Most people suggest that Cesc and Bendtner put Arsenal through into the quarter finals. I disagree, Manuel Almunia sent Arsenal into the next round of the champions league

I had plenty to write about the game on Tuesday night but I did not get the chance to sit down and relay my thoughts. Everything has been spoken about so I won’t go into too much detail but I will make a few points about the Kiev game, Chelsea game and where we go from now.

So Cesc’s era starts off with a victory, not a pretty one but a victory nevertheless.

Victory will be important for Cesc and the team before they play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. As a Gooner, I hope we can build on that result and improve. You must not forget that we had 9 first team squad players out injured. That is a lot of players no matter how you look at it. We have been criticised for having a small squad but the players did themselves proud out there. I would like to see a Liverpool side missing 9 key players, the same could be said for Manchester United.

It is clear that the team need an injection of confidence from somewhere. The team lacked a bit of zip and spark but at least the commitment was there.

Cesc had a decent game in midfield, not back to his very best but he was good, kept things ticking and used the ball pretty well. Alex Song protected him pretty efficiently but I do not think he is mobile or quick enough to play all season in midfield. His frame and ball ability is suited to the defence in my opinion.

I was excited at the prospect of the Vela – Van Persie partnership before the game but disappointed after the game finished. We didn’t get to see the partnership at all. They played too far apart and didn’t really link up during the game whatsoever. Robin Van Persie was far too deep to have an impact with the Mexican. Vela did not get the ball as much as he would have liked. With Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott and Diaby missing from the team he would struggle to get the service that he deserved. When Vela did get the ball he did look promising. I would love to him to get a run in a fully fit team for 5-10 games. His movement and pace would give the team a much better outlet.

Most people suggest that Cesc and Bendtner put Arsenal through into the quarter finals. I disagree, Manuel Almunia sent Arsenal into the next round of the champions league with a fantastic save late into the game. He was quick off his line and spread himself well. Had that gone in the side may not have recovered and I wouldn’t have overly confident of us getting a victory in Porto.

I don’t think Arsenal will top the group as I expect Arsene to send a mix match side to Portugal.

I was pleased to finally see Wilshere and Cesc on the same pitch in a proper game, the early signs were positive. With Cesc now as skipper we should see these two combine much more in future.

I was very surprised by the supporters, happy but surprised. As much as I don’t like the way that William Gallas goes about situations and he doesn’t seem to learn his lesson but at the end of the day he is still an Arsenal player for the time being. The way fans are, people in general to be honest. I expected them to use the opportunity to boo him, the chance to direct frustration or anger at him but the Emirates crowd were in a forgiving mood. It was nice to hear them cheer him and that would have done him the world of good.

He is still our best (apart from in the air) and most experienced defender and we will need him until we buy a replacement. Could it be replacements? I was quite surprised by Kolo Toure’s choice of words regarding Manchester City rumours.

Toure said:

“I am injured and need to get back to fitness.

“I have nothing to say about the transfer link, time will tell.”

Time will tell? That is a strange thing to say. Maybe it was taken out of context or I am reading too much into it, but what is sad is the decline of one of the fans favourites. He hasn’t been right for a while now. Many suggest that it was the ACN that changed him, I actually think he wasn’t the same for a while before that. I still maintain that he could do a fine job in the position that Alex Song took up on Tuesday night. His energy and passion would be the tempo starter that the team need. Flamini did that last season. Toure could learn to slot back into center half when one of the center backs are pulled away. Toure could drop into right back when Sagna’s cross has been cleared and countered. Toure could drive in between three opposition players.

We have been over this before and if Wenger hasn’t already chosen to move him then he won’t do so now. However Wenger did say that Alex Song is center back and does not have the stamina to play in the same position that he has played for most of the time he has played this season.

Gael Clichy who has publicly supported Gallas after the outburst has now explained the results of his compatriots behaviour.

Clichy said:

Maybe there is some truth in what William has said, but it is something which should have remained between him and the manager. They have since discussed the matter, but it is still a shame. It has shattered something within the squad.”

I think it is well and truly time to let this one go now. It is hard to know what Gallas is feeling after all this, I do not expect him to come out explaining himself to the press this time. He walked straight off the pitch on Tuesday night, instead of celebrating with some of his teammates but that could well be just his character.

So the search for a new CEO has finally come to an end. Ivan Gazidis will now handle player contracts and negotiations. He will work alongside Arsene Wenger and has probably had some dialogue about which players Arsene wants to bring in.

Gazidis was speaking on Arsenal TV last night and sounded very impressive. He has a vast knowledge and experience in his field, I just hope he has the charisma to go with that.

Good luck to him and lets hope we can get our money worth over January.

Peter Hill-Wood is very impressed with the latest recruitment.

Hill-Wood said:

“Ivan’s credentials are first class, It is evident that he has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal’s pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and international commercial markets.”

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