It will no doubt give the players the confidence to continue the excellent ran in the premier league this season and at the same time it will knock Chelsea's confidence and make them realise you need more than just money to become a great team.
Lets be honest, how many people out there thought that we will get 10 out of the next 12 points after the Inter Milan home defeat? I remember some fans (?) went way over the top and started crucifying many players including Pires, Edu, Gilberto, Lauren etc. Do any of you remember the guy who said "The difference between Manure and Arsenal is ‘they buy world class centre halves like Ferdinand and we have a right back who cost just 250k playing at centre half'"; do you remember that?
Well, it was very tough, our play isn't as fluent as last season's start but which do you prefer? Its funny how everyone is going on about manure's best ever start to the premiership yet they are behinds us in the league.
Before some people get carried away, lets remember that we have some tough games coming up and there is no doubt that the FA will ban at least Keown and Lauren for 3 matches I guess. I really believe that we should be positive but not arrogant like the Chelsea fans at my office who had spent that last few days telling me how easy those 3 points would be and our superiority has now come to an end. You know what? I will take great pleasure tomorrow by not saying anything about the match; they are expecting me to send them emails etc. but I will just treat it as just another day.
Anyway, here are my player ratings for the match as well some views on their performances this season:
Lehmann – The best compliment I can give Lehmann is that the Arsenal fans have already forgotten Seaman who has been one of our best ever goalkeepers despite some of his performances towards the end. He is very professional and gives confidence to the defenders in front of him. He was excellent with crosses and not even two goalkeepers could have saved that "illegal" goal. Marks - 7/10
Lauren – The target of some Arsenal fans but can anyone remind me the last time he was taken to the cleaners? He has faced players such as Giggs, Duff, Ronaldo etc. but has come out on top every time. 7/10
Cole – Very unfairly criticised earlier in the season but in my opinion it was his team mates that let him down. Do you remember the Newcastle match? Time after time, Ljungberg stood at the halfway line and allowed two Newcastle players ran at Cole. I thought he had a very good game especially offensively. 7/10
Toure – Another outstanding performance by my player of the season so far. He has already faced the best forwards on the premiership but they have also faced the best and coolest young centre half. 8/10
Sol – After a dodgy start, he had two great games v Liverpool and Chelsea. Big players show their strengths in big matches and not many are better than our Sol. 7.5/10
Gilberto – The player many Arsenal fans would like to see removed from the first 11 but I can confirm that Mr. Wenger thinks different. In my opinion he has always done the work that other players and coaches appreciate but many fans expect him to be like a "Ronaldo" simply because he is Brazilian. Can two different Brazilian managers and Wenger really be wrong? I don't think so! Yesterday's performance was his best in the fans eyes and lets hope that this will continue for years to come. 8/10
Edu – Another player that has been criticised many times in the past but his critics now believe that he should have an extended run. He has done really well but I am in no doubt that Wenger's best central midfield pair are Gilbeto and Vieira. We are lucky because he sees himself as a squad player and does not moan when not selected. Has a habit of scoring important deflected goals but who cares, as long as his produces performances as in his last two matches. 7.5/10
Parlour – The fans favourite and current captain. I like him because he is Arsenal through and through and gives 100% in every match. However, unlike many of you out there, I feel that you need more than just effort. Can someone please remind me the last time Parlour has put in a good cross from the right? The year would be enough! Anyway, I still think he has contributed well in recent weeks. 7/10
Pires – Started well and suddenly went through a loss of form. I am therefore very pleased to see that he is once again coming back to his best. His skill is there for all to see but what a lot of people don't give him credit for is his running off the ball and his running back to help the defence 7.5/10
Wiltord – Started really well but has really lost it in the last few weeks. I think that a few matches on the side lines may do him the world of good and will also give players such as Aliadiere a well deserved chance. 6.5/10
Henry – Our superstar, a young French player who has become a real "Gooner" and wants everyone to know about it. The rest of the premiership as envious that he is one of us. Has already scored 8 league goals and looks on target for his usual 30 in the season. His style makes some people believe that his lazy at times but I am having none of that. For me he cannot do wrong! – 8/10
Subs:
Kanu – He looked really up for it as soon as he came and with Bergkamp changed the game. Lets hope that this could be the lift that he has been looking for and surprise us all with a good season. 7/10
Bergkamp – Like Kanu, he had a big influence on the match and its such a pleasure to see his great passes that Henry thrives on. Come on Dennis, lets have another great last season from you. 7/10
Cygan – Only on for just a few minutes but did well to help the defence not conceding a last minute equaliser. Not enough time for a rating but I believe that he will be a good squad member this season.