3:1 not enough. Not nearly enough

In truth its nothing to do with the scoreline, I wanted a better performance than that. We are so much better than they are. Yes they made it difficult, but we should have been more incisive.

We were all over them like an angry moss and I feel we lacked penetration at times. Denilson didn't really have a great game and I wish Rosicky was there or Wilshire instead. That way their midfield five would have been chasing back rather than closing us down.

Negativity aside however, we've qualified and thats all that matters for now. Performances will need to come later against the later teams.

I'm excited and mildly fearful of our next opposition on this form.

WG

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A great time to get the monkey off your back

Super result in the snow last night. Vela frustrated and then showed his class by setting up Bendtner. Its worth mentioning Vela got past his man and delivered some quality balls into the box and generally looked very lively, but clearly not match-sharp.

Which begs the question, what can we do for players like Vela. He needs to play some games, I think we should bung him off in Jan on a 6 month loan deal to someone in the championship, he needs competitive games and he needs to do it here. It needs to be a development move for him and he needs to stay focussed on Arsenal, not be casting approving looks elsewhere in Spain etc.

I like Vela, I like the way he just picks himself up, dusts off and tries again. He offers something different but he'll never hit form playing reserve and carling cup games.

Bendtner had a decent game too last night, pushing away the lazy slurs he worked hard last night. I do wish he'd look at Chamakh's game and try and learn from it though. I still think he's a bit naive when it comes to working a defence, but I'm not bashing him for it, he's still young and has the potential if his ego will allow him to learn. Which is a big BIG question mark.

For the second game in a row I was impressed with Koscielny, I thought he was on the money last night. Tackling, jockeying and heading he was an all-action hero. He didn't leave Djourou much to do but together they did well.

Wilshire played well, setting up Vela on many occasions but the young mexican was profligate in front of goal and unfortunate, his lack of match-sharpness was so apparent last night. Wilshire continues to impressand he's definitely proving his mettle with another battling display and he clearly outshone Denilson who had a bit of a bad day at the office I felt.

Last night provided an excellent opportunity to get the home losses off of our backs and start again and a cleany wont hurt at all. Sczcesny did ok with little to do, he'll be hoping for more of the same in his next appearance to continue to see his stock rise and take the next step towards the number 1 jersey.

So whats up next, we've got the Cottagers at home. Its time for Mark Schwarzers bi-annual storming performance and a whole lot will be made of it pre-match. Importantly the players need to focus and deliver a performance. Fulham won't lie down and they'll play tight and hit us where it hurts on the counter.

For now, embrace the snow, its going to be here for a while...although not here...its just frosty at the moment here in Wigan.

WG

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Its only Ray P..I mean Henri Lansbury!

Arsene Wenger this week has been waxing lyrical about one of our very own Henri Lansbury. In my opinion one of the most understated players coming through. Without creating waves he has performed well whilst on loan and he has returned to the fold this season and Wenger has brought him into the first team fold. Wenger compares him to the Romford Pele and I can see the similarities.

Born in Enfield, London, Lansbury grew up in Potters Bar. Lansbury has been at Arsenal since 1999, joining the club as a schoolboy from the books of Norwich City. He has featured regularly for both the club's under-18 and reserve sides. He finally made his first team debut on 31 October 2007, in Arsenal's 3-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United as a substitute.

Lansbury is a complete midfielder, he fits perfectly into the Arsenal style. He has a great engine and can dictate a midfield with his passing ability and his tackling and tracking back. He can break forward with good pace, though he's not in the same league as Theo and he's got a good shot on him as us Gooners, the Hornets and the Irons can testify.

I like him a lot. His early career with us was blighted by a debilitating illness that left him lethargic, without energy. He's put that behind him in the last two seasons and he's looking very strong. We have a strong contingent of young, talented, ready for first team action midfielders. Ramsey, Denilson, Wilshire, Lansbury along with the likes of Randall and Aneke pushing to enter the fold also.

I look forward to seeing him grow further tonight.

WG

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How to silence one's critics

Massive game today for us. It was a must-win game and we did just that. It wasn't a game marred or tainted by anything. It was a great performance. There can't be a "what if" from Citeh. Boyata had to go. I feel sorry for the lad, he's young and he'll learn from this.

Lukasz Fabianski has had much to contend with during his time in an Arsenal shirt. Today he flipped the bird at everyone, including me that ever doubted his potential. He was awesome in goal today and never looked like conceding. From the first save from Silva to the end he was switched on, tuned in and the nervous errors truly locked out.

I was in awe of his first save, I'd wager money Almunia wouldn't have stopped that. It was excellent. Saves like that are what Wenger's been seeing in training all along and I'll guarantee noone will be happier than him with the exception of Fabianski.

Todays game was everything I could have hoped for and more. It could have been four or five to the Arsenal and I loved every minute of the 93 played. I thought we fought very well and another player to do himself credit today was Denilson. He was superb sitting deep with Song and fighting in the midfield.

I think there are lots of things we can take out of the game. Djourou played superb alongside Squillaci who again did very well. Clichy played extremely well also. I think a lot can be said for confidence in the guy between the sticks. But in general it was an excellent team performance.

A great result. More to follow tomorrow when its sunk in.

WG

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