Arsene Has The Last Laugh

The closing fixture of the holiday period yielded another three points and lifted the Gunners haul to nine points out of a possible twelve. More importantly the gloom of Sheffield was lifted by the return of a fit and refreshed Thierry Henry, who played a full part in the four goal cuffing of Charlton.

In truth the visitors arrived with limited ambition and the churlish would point out that Arsenal had the chances to net double figures. Sod the churlish! The performance was impressive and set up by the returning captains penalty strike and link-up with Justin Hoyte for the two first-half goals.

When a second penalty arrived Henry enjoyed a little joke with Van Persie before allowing the Dutchman to strike home the third. Thierry doesn’t take the penalty when he has been fouled, but that didn’t stop him placing the ball on the spot before giving way.

Van Persie capped his evening with an exquisite chip. Cue a little gentle taunting of Pardew who found himself on the losing side against Arsenal for the first time in his managerial career. Arsene managed a wry smile as the bosses exchanged handshakes.

If Gallas and Lauren are soon returned to the fold there may be a solidity about Arsenal that has been lacking on occasion this season. That is unlikely to be on Saturday, more’s the pity. The FA Cup would appear to be the most realistic target for this young squad, but a date with Liverpool at Anfield, minus the prompting of Fabregas, will be a tough first hurdle.

So we have closed the gap on Chelsea over the festive period, although United have strengthened their hold on the top berth. That is interesting in as much as there are doubts about United’s strength in depth if they start picking up injuries and suspensions. Chelsea may be able to field two teams of internationals but the loss of Cech and Terry have unexpectedly exposed a soft underbelly. They are hampered further by the opening of a slight rift, it would appear, between manager and chairman. Does this exasperating season yet have a sting in the tail? We can dare to dream.