Reviews

So there was a lot of speculation swirling around about who would start for The Arse. Wenger made it clear that Almunia would retain his place in goal, and that Song would likely partner Gallas in central defence in the continued absence of Big Phil Senderos and the apparent refusal by Gilberto to play there.

That was a Tony Adams moment, you can just envisage Mr. Arsenal abandoning his defensive station to save the day like that. Combined with his performance at Anfield last (especially that last-ditch, last minute block from an almost-certain Stevie Gerrard goal)

Having manufactured a bit of space for himself with his clever movement, the Crozillian let rip from 20 yards and absolutely hammered the ball into the back of net. Keeper had no chance, and the goal looked even more impressive on the replays. It reminded me very much of Robbie Fowler – minimum backlift, maximum power.

We could and should have got the winner on the 87th minute when Cesc curled a lovely effort off the post from just outside the penalty area and the rebound fell to Bendtner who had an open goal and he blazed it over the bar just as Cesc had done in the first half

Hleb zoomed past his man and fed Ade, who turned and spread it wide Theo. On a hat-trick, he could’ve taken the greedy option and gone for goal, but instead he played the most delicate of first-time passes perfectly into the path of Cesc..

A few lessons may have been learnt by Arsene. Eduardo currently is not at his best. He doesn't seem sharp enough right now. It was a big day for the Croatian International, Robin Van Persie is out for up to 6 weeks and Eduardo needs to get involved in the build up play and score goals as soon as possible

Cesc and Van Persie were behind the ball and I knew that Van Persie would score, it just felt right. Van Persie said that Cesc was supposed to take that one as Van Persie took the last one against Steaua Bucharest.

Alex Hleb started the match on the left wing with Emmanuel Eboue coming in on the right hand wing. Hleb is more effective on the left hand side of the pitch. He drives inside and can use his eye of the needle passing alot easier from that area.

Arsene had some decisions to make before the game. Hleb was back in the team and Arsene could have played him on the left wing and drafted in Eboue on the right but Arsene decided to go with continuity and keep Diaby on the left wing after his blockbuster last weekend against Derby.

Diarra making his first start in the holding role for the team was the star of the show in my eyes. He has a wonderful low center of gravity, very strong and has wonderful technique. He seems to have a wonderful knack of rolling opposition players with his strength and finding the correct pass.