It is worrying when our attack can make Titus Bramble look a decent centre half but that is what our powder puff forward line managed to do against a Newcastle team that started the day in the bottom three.
The boss is of course correct to show his disgust at the way French coach Raymond Domenech uses our playing staff but on the other hand, as he regularly reminds us, it is vital at the Emirates that we get the first goal. Therefore, perhaps we should have started with Thierry & took a bit of a gamble that 45 minutes of his influence would have proved enough.
I still feel we have not seen the best of this team & whilst I am not throwing in the towel for this campaign yet, I just hope that the boss can keep the squad together as I believe they will eventually come good. There is a bit of the George Graham era about it with them all coming through together.
Lehmann - 7 - Not at fault for the goal & quick to distribute the ball accurately to begin our many waves of attacks.
Eboue - 7 - Some strong runs, useful crosses & strong tackling. Good performance.
Toure - 8 - You can see why some people are calling for him to be the skipper and allow Henry to concentrate on what he does best. Another solid performance and incredible how far he has come compared to what he cost the club.
Gallas - 7 - Works well with Toure and always willing to get forward, too often sometimes perhaps?
Clichy - 6 - Another shaky game, gave the ball away often including late on which could have cost us dear. I just hope he can shape up defensively and fast. Good going forward though.
Hleb - 7 - Worked hard and caused Newcastle problems for much of the game, missed a couple of golden opportunities.
Fabregas - 7 - Shows a passion as if born and bred Arsenal. He does however need to be kept in check as he was constantly in the ref's ear and was fortunate only to get a yellow for a very high challenge late on in the game.
Baptista - 6 - His first start in place of Gilberto. Some nice touches on the ball, but will have to do a lot more than that to improve our midfield. (Walcott 64)
Flamini - 6 - Worked hard and looks like a typical industrious English style player. I just can't stop thinking that he is nothing more than a good squad player.
Van Persie - 6 - Only managed one half due to injury, one excellent turn & shot in the box was inches away from curling in. (Henry 45)
Adebayor - 6 - Works hard for the team, but was wasteful when presented with at least two good chances, one a weak header late on.
Subs
Henry (45) - 7 - Saved the day with a superbly taken free kick that thundered in off the underside of the bar. Also looked our most likely match winner and forced Given into some fine saves.
Walcott (64) - 5 - Seems as if he is trying to hard sometimes. A goal will do him the world of good.
Subs not used: Almunia, Senderos, Song