For the third consecutive year, Fulham so early in the season is a benchmark for the Arsenal. Two years ago, after Jens Lehmann’s blunder, Alex Hleb kicked-off our Premiership campaign with a very late strike and we went on to have a memorable season. Last year, we faced them on the second day, we lost and we went on to have a miserable season.

Now if our season is to be measured on how well we do when we face Fulham, then maybe we’re in for a similar season like the one of two years ago with hopefully, the addition of trophies.

Massive Win

Yesterday’s was a very, very important win. Chelsea suffered a surprise defeat away at Wigan and we took full advantage of their slip. Now you may wonder why I am talking – so early in the season – about getting back in the title race. Well, I have to admit I never expected Wigan – who conceded four at the Emirates – to take points away from Chelsea, and in a way, I also knew our game would have been very tricky, reason why I was looking at this weekend with a scary look as we could have ended it with -7 or even worse, -9 from the top.

Instead, we’re back in business. And with Chelsea facing Liverpool without their regular goalkeeper and maybe Ashley Cole next week, we may soon end up with a scenario reading three, if not four teams leading the Premiership, a fascinating one if you ask me.

Vito Mannone

Anyone else thinks the Italian should keep his place even when Almunia will be fit again? Well I do. Two clean sheets and if the Wigan game was an “easy” one, yesterday’s was the complete opposite. Of course, it now all depends on Arsene Wenger, who was not shy to bench Jens Lehmann in the past to give Almunia a run at goal, so it will be interesting to see how this one unfolds.

“The Invincibles” hold on

As much as they try, as much as they hope, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool will never achieve what our 2003-04 squad achieved. With yesterday’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wigan, Chelsea joined the rest of the Premiership squads in having at least one defeat under their names, meaning that for yet another year, the record of the mighty invincibles holds on.

Just what is wrong in midfield?

It’s amazing how Arsenal supporters are split when the midfield subject is put on the table to be discussed. Leaving Denilson aside as he’s out injured so it’s not fair to judge him at the moment and accepting the fact that 95% of those discussing this topic believe Diaby is not good enough, I was surprised to read negative comments on Alex Song even after yesterday’s performance.

I firmly believe the reason why we see Song committing so many fouls and giving the ball away so many times is because those around him put him in difficult situations. The famous central midfield signing we so-much called for last summer didn’t arrive but had he did, I’m sure he would have been out there alongside Song in place of Diaby.

Ultimately, even Fabregas is not really helping as he should, I mean in the first half he just wasn’t there, it was only in the second half that he woke up and started helping the midfield, with twice helping Sagna all the way back to the corner flag. But that is how it should always be. So yes, the midfield worries me, no wonder Gallas, Vermaelen and Mannone’s performances were highlighted this morning as they were indeed given plenty to do.

Looking Forward

Unbeaten Olympiakos are leading in Greece and they will not be easy to get past on Tuesday. After that, we will end our hat-trick of home games when Blackburn first and then Birmingham will pay us a visit at the Emirates with a one-week break between these last two games. It is fundamental for Wenger to manage these three weeks in the best possible way in terms of rotation.

For the Birmingham game, surely Theo Walcott, Eduardo and Carlos Vela will be 100% fit, another reason why yesterday’s win goes down as a massive win. And who knows, maybe for the 4th Round Carling Cup game against Liverpool we would also welcome back Samir Nasri, so the future looks bright on the offensive part of midfield.

Until next time, as always, take care.