Arsenal showed what they're all about as Spurs' hopes went for a Song

By Ian Cruise in Arsenal Fans Blog

Published 16:37 04/11/09

• 

It was hard not to be down-hearted after Saturday, with Spurs showing us that they are now the dominant team in north London and that their superior squad will mean they steal our Champions League spot.

This is how my blog would have started if Robbie Keane’s fantasies had come true, but once again we put our arch rivals in their place.

I was on edge before the game as derby days can be eventful and unpredictable, but once the players got into their stride there only ever looked like being one result. Unfortunately, Spurs will still have a chance to get into the top four with Rafa Benitez seemingly being hell bent on taking Liverpool a step backwards.

Harry’s attempt to match our formation in the first half was probably not the best of moves as it lead to quite an easy job for our defence, as more often than not the giant had no-one to lay the ball off to when they were pinged up to him.

Cesc and Song dominated the midfield and both had great games. I am starting to worry about Song leaving for the African Cup of Nations and I never thought I would be saying that.

Diaby once again managed to have an indifferent game, even after his interviews in the papers claiming he wanted to be the new Vieira, etc. I have faith that he will turn it around and become the player we all expect, but we can’t wait forever.

Cesc’s goal was a joy to watch and it is scary to think that he is improving season by season and is already one of the best players out there. I fear for teams when I think of how good he will be in just a couple of years' time, let alone at the peak of his career.

Robin is clearly reveling in his role as a lone striker now that he has had time to adapt, and keeping him fit for the majority of the season will be pivotal in our attempt to win some silverware.

Considering the options we still have to come back in the supporting roles, men wide of the front three, things are looking positive and the team is slowly starting to turn the doubters around. Obviously there is a long way to go till the end of the season but we are definitely heading in the right direction if we want to achieve success this year.

With the confidence such a great win against Spurs will have brought the team, I think we can be pretty certain of a victory in the Champions League game tonight.

To qualify early will be very good and should give Wenger a chance to blood some of the young guns into European competition a little earlier than expected.

Let’s all just keep our fingers crossed that we don’t lose any more players to injury over the next few weeks as that really could throw a spanner in the works.