And it also gives a chance for another set of moronic fans to chant "Same old Arsenal…" after the referee gives one of their players a red card for going over the top of the ball. Still an early scare apart this was a comfortable victory for a differently-strengthened side.
Jens Lehmann - 6 - Not much to do on what could be his last appearance for us - I'll miss you Jens.
Bacary Sagna - 7 - If I was a left winger I would probably opt for an early bath rather than spend 90 minutes against our brick wall of a right back.
Kolo Toure - 7 - We are so going to miss him.
Philippe Senderos - 6 - Caught out early on but fairly solid after that.
Armand Traore - 5 - A moment of panic in the penalty area betrayed his inexperience and lacked his normal verve going forward.
Emmanuel Eboue - 5 - Won't be missed anywhere near as much as Kolo.
Gilberto Silva - 6 - Back in the groove after a shaky start.
Denilson - 7 - Cool, calm and composed in central midfield - no mad Blackburn moments thank god.
Abou Diaby - 6 - All the skill in the world but too often waited too long to release the ball.
Nicklas Bendtner - 7 - Took his goal superbly but was relatively quiet.
Eduardo da Silva - 8 - Gravity stopped working, Alan Carr became funny and Eduardo missed a chance - surely not. Cool for his finish and a wonderfully weighted pass for Nic's goal.
Substitutes:
Justin Hoyte -6 - Came on and was Hoyte-ish.