Arsenal Win In North West Shocker

Well the recipe for consuming the pie-munchers proved to be almost indigestible. Full marks to the side for keeping going to the end, but it has to be said that Arsene Wenger's experimental midfield almost backfired.

Those who have screamed almost daily for the introduction of 'the Beast' have their answer. I have no doubt that Julio Baptista will settle and find his role in the Arsenal set-up. That time has yet to arrive though and the big man is not the first foreign import to need time to adjust to the pace of the Premiership and his new team's style.

Kolo Toure returned after suspension, and was outstanding in the heart of the defence. He needed to be as the hosts, despite not having the lions share of the possession, had fifteen shots to Arsenal's ten.

Once again Emmanuel Adebayor came up with an important goal, putting the finishing touch to some smart approach play from late substitute Fabregas on eighty-eight minutes. That makes it five goals for him this season, an important contribution in the absence of the captain.

Arsene Wenger spoke afterwards of 'our spirit and our resilience'. I'm beginning to wonder if they put the same tape on Five Live after every game. Come on, admit it, he rarely strays from his standard post-match script!

So the three points from our game in hand has secured third place again. That position will come under threat from fourth placed Portsmouth, visitors to Ashburton Grove on Saturday. I'll be back tomorrow with a preview, and doubtless lots of gratuitous naval quips!