The Blues Cole-d Out At Emirates

I won't know if Arsenal will win the Premiership this season. I don't know if Gallas can out-score Adebayor this season. I don't know if Rosicky can last a good 6 months without getting injured this season. Heck, I don't even know if Wenger really trust Almunia or that he's really fed up with Lehman. What I do know is, Ashley Cole with the display that he gave last night on his return to an Arsenal ground in a playing capacity, would've by now surely deleted off any remaining numbers on his cell of the current Arsenal players.

The blue half of London came to Emirates on Sunday and went away with their first defeat in the hands of Arsenal in 4 years. The same period also represent the last time Arsenal won the Premiership. With or without Mourinho, Wenger would cherish this long awaited victory.

The seemingly decimated squad was boosted by the return of the mercurial trio of Hleb, Flamini and Fabregas. Their return seemed to give the team an extra lift and believe. Their importance is such that there is more fluency and cohesion in the Arsenal play. Assured display that was not to be seen during the only defeat of the season to Boro.

Although this was not the most magnificent of matches in recent times, psychologically this match could have a bearing on Arsene’s players more than it would effect Avram’s. For there were many a battles that happen all over the field and most of it, if not all was won by Arsenal.

Cole (Joe) never got the better of Clichy who kept him really quiet. Shevchenko was never going to trouble Gallas and Toure on his own. What was most pleasing, was the way Flamini bullied Lampard and Mikel (2 very strong lads, mind you) off the park. Terry’s ugly lunge on the already grounded Fabregas was very distasteful. So there weren’t too many sympathies when the England captain went off after being injured by Eboue.

The loudest cheer of the whole night was reserved for the entry of Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman’s was sorely missed the team during his enforced absence due to injury. He gave the team more options going forward. Always pulling away, ensuring that central defenders follow him and this allows the like of Fabregas and Flamini to attack the open space. He was unlucky not to score himself after another flowing Arsenal counter-attack.

The result meant that after 3 games against the top 3 sides in the league, Arsenal have 5 points. Not at all a bad tally considering the criticism that was thrown at Wenger for supposedly habouring hope to win the Premiership with a bunch of kids.