With Chelsea losing away at Wigan, we simply HAD to win this afternoon and so we did. It could have easily ended in a draw or worse if it wasn’t for Vito Mannone, the Italian goalkeeper who many – including myself – thought he was there just to make numbers. Instead, he played full of confidence, excellent in leaving his goal and incredible in denying the home side.

The negative comes again from the usual suspects. Abou Diaby, horrible in midfield and Gael Clichy, no idea what is wrong with the Frenchman this season, but he’s turning into a liability.

Player Ratings

Mannone: 10 – Ever saw one of those masks BBC have on their websites? The tennis ones include Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, you name it. If they put Mannone’s mask up there tonight, I’ll print it and spend this Sunday wearing it. He won us the game.

Gallas and Vermaelen: 8,5 – Granted, if the keeper had to make so many saves, maybe the backline was shaky, but not really. Billy and Thomas saved our ass a number of times, were dominant in the air and again, I ask what will happen to us if one of them, or both, suffers an injury.

Clichy: 5 – Way too many balls given away cheaply and today we were lucky not to concede in the second half after he gifted the ball to Fulham.

Sagna: 8 – The opposite of Clichy. Incredibly solid at the back and his tackling was perfect.

Diaby: 2 – I stole this from the chat as it fits to perfection: His number matches the rating he deserves. I honestly thought we were toast when he first gave away the ball and then fouled close to the penalty area around the 80th minute.

Song: 8 – Phenomenal. What to expect from someone who has to do his work and Diaby’s as well? Well done, Alex.

Fabregas: 6,5 – An anonymous first half, VERY anonymous, only to remember how good he can be in the second and provide the assist to Robin’s goal. More of that please, Cesc.

Arshavin: 6,5 – Not bad, considering he’s back from injury. You could see the midfield almost always searching for him as they know he’s one who can create magic, any time, any day.

Van Persie: 7 – Like Cesc, very disappointing in the first half but like Cesc, he remembered how good he is and slotted home another right-footed special.

Bendtner: 7 – I wanted him to start and delighted he did so. We needed a strong figure up front against Fulham’s back four and he provided just what I wanted.

(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Was not involved much, but glad to see the Czech back in the squad.
Eboue: 6,5 – So close to score, did nothing wrong in the few minutes he spent on the pitch.