Cup half-Fuller

Seeing the line up worried me, but it worried me less when I saw Fabregas there. It was a sign that we wanted to win this game and I never really doubted that, but we looked lightweight. Leightweight in defence in particular. We are leaking goals with our first choice of defenders so it was asking for trouble by putting in such an inexperienced and unknown back four.

Campbell did well and doesn't look like he'll be out of place in any game we play, if we need him.
Silvestre showed that he's experienced and is fighting for our cause, but he's not as pacey as we need sometimes.
Coqueline looked nervy for much of his time on the pitch. He improved, but we needed solidity and confidence from our players to show Stoke that we won't be bullied into defeat.
Traore is quick, and the best at whipping in a cross out of all our possible leftbacks - but he is also not good enough yet - lacking nouse when it comes to positioning.

We looked heavyweight in terms of JET, but he's still learning his trade. In three year's time, I'm sure he'd be an excellent choice to stick in there, hold it up and cause some difficulties for Stoke. He did well but there was no-one around him for the first 2/3 of the game to cause Stoke any major cause for concern.

It was nice to see a mix of experience of youth - but the experienced players lacked quality and the young players lacked physical presence. I wanted to believe that we'd win the game, as we have never given up all season and turned some remarkable scorelines around. But away, against a well organised, physical side with such a weakened side, it was a big order.

I don't blame Wenger, I'm sure he thought we could win the game. It was very close and much closer than the final score suggests. If I'm going to blame anyone, it's Denilson who let Sidebe run down the wing unchallenged and completely gave up the ghost, allowing him to knock the ball in that led to their goal. But this is the consequence of having the type of squad we have. But with players returning and a full strength side capable of beating anyone, we have to prioritise the other 2 competitions we are in. If we win the league then this defeat is a price more than worth paying. Even coming second is a major step forward. This team is staying together, growing together and only going to get even better.

Just think back to when we used to win the league or challenge on a regular basis last decade. We always lacked strength in depth, but had the best first choice side. If our best players kept fit, then we had the chance of winning the title. Well we're kind of back to that scenario - but this time we are not reliant on our best players anymore. We have a system and players who play the "Arsenal Way" and that's why we are more resiliant. That's why we can challenge against the suped up teams of Chelsea and Man City.

I still feel very positive and can't wait to see how we shape up against the biggest and the best over the next month or so.

'98

Deni