Un- Arsenal like performance should up confidence

Arsenal started the game off poorly tonight. We have Sagna's terrific clearance to thank that we weren't 1-0 down at half time rather than one up. But in the second half, Arsenal came out gritty and determined and were very professional.

When you think about it, we have quite an experienced squad now. Sagna, van Persie, Mertesacker, Benayoun, Rosicky, Arteta, Santos, Vermaelen, Arshavin, Chamakh and Song are all experienced and it showed tonight. We were so strong and inpenetrable in the middle tonight, as well as out wide. Song was magnificent, putting in so many strong, well- timed tackles and clearances and Mertesacker and Koscielny were very solid. Sagna was as solid as ever and Gibbs had one of his best games for Arsenal. The whole team contributed to the defence tonight, we had experience and solidity in centre midfield as well as the defence, with Walcott and Gervinho working hard to defend too. We were a very solid, strong defensive unit. The only issue tonight was giving the ball away in dangerous areas but that also had a lot to do with the excellence of Dortmund's pressing game (which we could learn from).

Song was my MOTM, he was so solid and strong. He tackled well, covered well, stayed discliplined and kept the ball well. It was the Song we've all dreamt of having on a regular basis. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come, he also looked like a really good character out there, and probably deserved the captain's armband when Van Persie went off. He could well be one of our main leaders now. I can't think of him putting a foot wrong tonight. All he needs to do now is keep it up, keep playing consistently. It's easier said than done but if he can, we may have the league's (at least) best defensive midfielder on our hands.

Koscielny was very Koscileny tonight, but better than usual, A couple of mistakes but otherwise immense, particularly in the second half and particularly in the air. That challenge at the end at 1-1 was outstanding. Runner up to Song tonight.

Walcott's assist was excellent, Van Persie's finish and work rate for that goal were too. Mertesacker and Szczesny were very solid too and it was just great to see us being such a strong defensive unit, defending as if our lives defended on it and as a team, with no weak link. We were solid from set- pieces too generally.

Onwards and upwards to Blackburn where we will face a different kind of test, but one that shouldn't be as hard as tonight and I fancy us to win. Tis a pity I won't be there as I was last season for the 2-1 win (great day, upper tier to be precise by the way). Got a sneaky feeling we might win 3-0. COYG!

Match Ratings:

Szczesny- 7 +
Sagna- 8
Mertesacker- 8
Koscielny- 9
Gibbs- 8
Song- 10
Arteta- 8
Benayoun- 7 +
Walcott- 7
Van Persie- 7
Gervinho- 6

Frimpong- 7
Chamakh- 6
Santos- 6