Mean Lean

Perhaps I take the quality of Cesc Fabregas for granted and when Cesc is not quite at his best, he is still often one of the better performers on the pitch. I also think that when Cesc has been good this season, he has contributed to many of our goals and that has boosted up his ratings. His highest rating

Arshavin, without a doubt. How he doesn't get a game all the time is beyond me - when he scored 4 at Anfield that night he was unbelievable, and humble about it at the end. He's tricky and can beat players, scores great goals,  and can play anywhere across the front line; so would love to see him in a

I was furious when George Graham had sold him to Leeds United for £2 million. I could not understand why we would let go of one of us. Rocastle is Arsenal so why sell him? Apparently Rocastle was in tears when Graham told him his plans and that just shows how much he cared for the club.

Because of their system, like Arsenal they have struggled at times with the longer ball. Having squeezed so far up the pitch to play in the opponents half, space is often found behind them. With Puyol and Pique you would feel that pace could do some damage to them.

You would struggle to find a player in world football better at intercepting passes. There are not many better sights when watching Arsenal than an opposition player playing a ball to the feet of a team mate at the half way line

Tomas Rosicky appears to be the polar opposite to Arshavin. He has flown out of the traps this season, recapturing some of his earlier Arsenal form. Often playing in his natural central attacking role, he has shone. Orchestrating the play as only Mozart can do

Samir Nasri is looking determined and sharp. Theo Walcott looks to have taken a much needed step forward this season and the likes of Alex Song, Carlos Vela, Abou Diaby and Denilson are all one year older, one year more experienced

If you was to ask me who I thought was the player of the season before I looked at the figures then I would have said our captain Cesc Fabregas who has contributed to most of our goals this season

The much criticised Manuel Almunia having the 45 minutes of his life was responsible for the teams going in at half time at 0-0. Arshavin only lasted 27 minutes, Cesc was clearly playing with an injury from the Birmingham City

The goals kept coming, Portsmouth hit for four and then Celtic hit for three in the return tie but not everything was perfect. Careless goals were being conceded. Individual mistakes at the back and goalkeeper were an all to familiar story.