That is how fine the margins are. Had Mariner and last night’s referee done their jobs correctly then we would be currently four points behind them with tonight’s game in hand. However I know it is not as easy as that, apparently decisions even themselves out over the course of the season. If that is the

As a supporter I tend to hope for the best, I like to imagine that the best outcome will happen and that has been my mindset through the whole season until our recent home draws to Blackburn and then Liverpool. Winning all our games was always going to be a tall order but then the incredible high of Van Persie slotting in his penalty to the anger and frustration of Kuyt’s high penalty in added on time meant that I had let go of the idea of hope. It is strange really because I did and do not expect Manchester United to win all their remaining games but our recent form and lack of goals convinced me that the title would evade us for another year.

Last night Manchester United, the team often put on a pedestal as the team who always bounce back from disappointment faced Newcastle United after recent semi final defeat to their neighbours. Newcastle have been largely inconsistent in recent weeks and they could only manage a 0-0 draw.

The result could have been worse had yet another referee failed to award Fergie’s opposition a clear cut penalty.

That is how fine the margins are. Had Mariner and last night’s referee done their jobs correctly then we would be currently four points behind them with tonight’s game in hand. However I know it is not as easy as that, apparently decisions even themselves out over the course of the season. If that is the case then I expect Manchester United to concede two goals a game for their next five remaining matches. I get the feeling that the cliched excuse is just that. An excuse for bad decisions.

Now onto tonight’s game. It is not just a normal game in hand, a normal fixture. It is the North London derby and there is revenge to be had. The inferiors have unusually had the upper hand of late in our last few meetings.

The defeat to Tottenham at the Emirates earlier this season could actually be the lowest point in the season so far. The team produced a marvelous attacking first half, scoring two quality goals and really should have buried away more chances. The second half collapse still makes me sit rather uncomfortably in my seat whenever I think about it for more than a couple of seconds.

I have had a rather niggly feeling about this fixture for some weeks now, a game that we need to win to stand any hope of snatching the title and a game where the opposition will probably be more eager to stop us winning rather than gaining the points for their own benefit.

Unbelievably our squad is pretty much healthy. Bacary Sagna is back and should replace Emmanuel Eboue at right back. Alex Song will start in midfield after coming on late against Liverpool. Arsene spoke of rotation being used in midfield and from what I have read, many are expecting Diaby to drop back down to the bench but I believe that Wilshere has played too many games of late and has looked jaded in recent matches. I predict that Wilshere will sit this one out with Diaby and Song adding a strong physical platform for our creative players. The battle of midfield should be one of the most interesting points of the game.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up:

Szczesny

Sagna Djourou Koscielny Clichy

Song Diaby

Walcott Cesc Nasri

Van Persie

One to watch: Robin Van Persie

Robin has had a sensational second half of the season but his shooting boots have disappeared a little in recent games. He cannot do it all single handedly and his impact largely depends on his supply. After recent matches I would hope that our midfield do much more to support Van Persie and once that happens then we can see what quality he has. I back him to be back amongst the goals this evening.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction:

Tottenham 1 Arsenal 2 (Van Persie, Bendtner)

While hope remains I will continue to believe that we can turn around our season at the death. As Arsene Wenger said in his pre match interview, it is important that the players put every last drop of blood into the game. This really is the last chance saloon and the players have to show that on the pitch.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS