One year on and another FA Cup later...

A lot has happened since I last posted on the blog.

In fact a whole season has passed us by and Arsenal lifted their second FA Cup in a row.

I'm in the working world now as a reporter, my hours all over the place and I'm in training for my job too, so finding the time to write on here at the end of the day has been a struggle.

But what better time to start than now the summer has officially started...and there are transfer rumours galore.

In fact Arsenal are on the verge of announcing the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Having seen Wojciech Szczesny go from a potentially top quality keeper to a man so far from that now, I am firmly behind signing Cech, despite his best years behind him.

He is still a quality keeper and I'd be happy with either him or David Ospina wearing the no.1 jersey. The amount of experience he brings is incredible. In fact he'd be the only player in the squad to hold a Premier League medal.

Petr Cech. Credit: John Dobbo

Elsewhere, if you believe the (quite often rubbish) transfer news the papers come out with, you will have heard Jack Wilshere is off to Manchester City.

Wilshere is rumoured to be considering his future with Arsenal which I do understand.

He's a player who will not be playing week in week out at the Emirates Stadium partly because of the injuries he picks up and because of the amount of competition there is.

A lot of non-Arsenal fans do not rate him but were quick to applaud his recent goals for England which we've seen him do once or twice for Arsenal.

He may not quite have lived up to the hype but he's an exciting player who shows world-class abilities. It would be foolish to let him go. 

Manchester City are linked to everyone though and there seems to be more in the Raheem Sterling chat.

He's another player we were said to be monitoring but I'm glad nothing has materialised there. Let City have him. Whether or not the Blues are really that interested in Wilshere, it is known they need a squad of more home-grown players.

I've heard we are offering Jack a five-year contract worth £100,000 a week. For that much, let's hope he is on the pitch a little more than he is off it for one reason or another.

Arsenal's season looks ready to crash and burn

So game number 1000 turned out to be one that Arsene Wenger will never forget - but for all the wrong reasons!

For us it was another thumping by a big side which pretty much says clear as daylight that we aren't exactly one of those.

It reminded me of the Liverpool game as we quickly saw ourselves fall behind by more than one goal, in fact finding ourselves 3-0 down by the seventeenth minute. Wenger had been adamant pre-match that his team were ready for this battle against Chelsea, but losing at Stamford Bridge leaves me no confidence in winning the war of the title.

A big talking point was the sending off of Kieran Gibbs in the build up to Hazard's penalty and Chelsea's third goal. Oxlade-Chamberlain tried heading a shot away from goal but flung an arm out in the process, and the ball, heading wide anyway, brushed his hand. Andre Marriner, the game's referee, sent off Gibbs instead of Chamberlain who protested he was the culprit. Gibbs' suspension has now been overturned while both he and Oxlade-Chamberlain are clear to play against Swansea. It was deemed, quite rightly, that Oxlade-Chamberlain's handball was not preventing a goal-scoring opportunity as Hazard's shot was going wide of goal.

Kieran Gibbs.

I've said it before, and that's Flamini needs to start in the defensive / deep midfield position. He is a certain starter who has helped our defensive game out greatly and has provided exceptional cover. He gets the job done, much better than Arteta! I'd also like to see more of Serge Gnabry, and if the Ox had been suspended it would have gifted a wonderful opportunity for the young German midfielder to continue proving himself. After being named on the subs bench against Chelsea, I would hope he starts or features at some against Swansea, the side he scored our class second against in our 2-1 win earlier in the season.

So what does Saturday's loss do to our title chasing credentials (or what was left of them anyway)? As I said, this win sets us back in the chase for the Premier League title, and just securing a top four finish could even be a difficult task. Everton, in fifth, are by no manner a bad team at all especially under Roberto Martinez this season.

The players need to get it going against Swansea who never prove to be an easy side when we play them and a win against the Swans will get the players up for the Man City match next weekend. Needless to say it won't be an easy fixture and nobody can help but think that if we are slow out the blocks, we could see repeats of Liverpool and Chelsea all over again.

Our FA Cup semi final match against Wigan isn't far away either. Somehow we are the favourites to win the competition, but if we carry on the way we're going, Wigan might do the business over us like they did City. They aren't a bad side on their day at all, and I get the feeling we're not in for a comfortable finish to the season.

How we looked high and mighty fine earlier on in the season, but how quickly does football change over the course of that season. If we end up struggling for fourth, and trophy less, we have well and truly crashed and burned in style. If you have any faith for sale, I might need some.

I am one disgruntled Gooner, so I'll join the queue.

Chelsea v Arsenal (FA Cup 2009).

A must win game for Arsenal tomorrow but can Wenger celebrate incredible milestone with his first win over Mourinho?

It is a well known fact that Arsene Wenger has never beaten a Jose Mourinho Chelsea side, and what it would mean if that curse is broken tomorrow.

Chelsea top the table by four points, ahead of both us and Liverpool who have 62 points each. It feels as though, for the optimistic Arsenal supporter maybe, that there is no better time than ever for Wenger to finally get one over Mourinho, in order to keep our title chasing campaign alive. 

We also have a game in hand so winning tomorrow really will set us up well. Of course Liverpool look incredibly strong and Man City have two games in hand over us (and they're only two points behind!) Every game now is a must win if we are to keep our title hopes alive, though perhaps more realistically ensuring we don't slip out of the top four.

With Wenger celebrating his 1000th game in charge of Arsenal tomorrow, a win over Mourinho would be some way to celebrate.

The game starts at 12:45pm (GMT) tomorrow, in the day's only lunchtime kick off.

Arsene Wenger's best XI - Celebrating 1000 games in charge of Arsenal

With this Saturday's match against Chelsea being Arsene Wenger's 1000th game in charge of Arsenal (and not many manager's can boast that kind of reign in the modern era), I thought I'd take a stab at the greatest eleven he could put out, from those he has had the pleasure of managing while at Arsenal.

Thinking over his eighteen years in charge of our club, he wonders where the time has gone in an exclusive interview with Arsenal Media. Of course a lot has happened over those years with its ups and downs. One of his greatest moments he says is the 2-1 win at the Emirates against Barcelona in 2011, but what about the double winning seasons of 1998 and 2002 - and claiming the Premier League on different occasions at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane? The invincibles! 

Some of the slumps which come to mind are the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Liverpool in 2001, the Champions League cup final defeat of 2006, and League Cup final defeats to Birmingham and Chelsea. Obviously not winning anything in the last nine seasons is pretty disheartening and the game has changed a lot since the 'good days'. 

However we still have the same manager who has guided us to past glories, and we probably wouldn't be doing much better if a man with his control was replaced any time soon. 

So, here's my starting XI (oh and in a 4-4-2 formation like it should be) ;)

GK: David Seaman

LB: Ashley Cole

CB: Tony Adams

CB: Sol Campbell

RB: Lee Dixon

LM: Robert Pires

CM: Patrick Vieira

CM: Emmanuel Petit

RM: Freddie Ljungberg

ST: Dennis Bergkamp

ST: Thierry Henry

Subs: Keown, Lauren, Bould, Overmars, Petit, Wright, Bergkamp.

Arsene Wenger.

To be honest there are a number of players who should make the list i.e. Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Gilberto Silva...maybe even Aaron Ramsey if he keeps up the kind of form and football he was playing before his injury earlier this season. 

Speaking of which, Ramsey and Santi Cazorla have extended their contracts with us, following the recent contract renewals of Metesacker and Rosicky. I don't think Sagna's contract will be renewed with the other big one being Wenger's own contract which also expires this summer. As the Metro put it, he's 1000 not out, but how many more games will he go on to manage Arsenal for?

The title challenging clash between Chelsea and Arsenal kicks off at 12:45pm (GMT) on Saturday.

Torres hassles Vermaelen in a previous fixture between the two sides.

Stoke 1-0 Arsenal: Reaction to this afternoon's Premier League result

On my way back from work I was constantly refreshing my phone to get this afternoon's live Premier League score updates, more importantly hoping to see us bag a goal or two at Stoke.

It was nervy seeing the words 'Penalty to Stoke' and a little heart wrenching seeing 'Stoke Goal: Walters 76' (pen)' a minute later. Of course we were unable to muster an equaliser or even a shot on target in the second half.

I haven't seen the game and so look forward (sort of) to seeing the highlights on Match of the Day tonight. But I flicked on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sports Report to hear we "did not look like title contenders", while Alan Hansen called it a "lethargic performance".

Reports give me the impression we were sloppy, lacking in creativity, and allowed Stoke every opportunity to get stuck in. Stoke City are a side who you know what to expect with players like Charlie Adam and Ryan Shawcross who love to get stuck in.

Flamini was benched today but for me he is a certain starter while Arteta and Wilshere sat in the holding midfield roles. I have argued before that Podolski needs playing up front but he was again out on the left and later subbed for Yaya Sanogo. The young French forward might have potential but he is not who you bring on when you desperately need a goal at the Britannia. Having said that, Giroud hadn't found the back of the net and Bendtner is our only other 'safest' option up front. This could well be something which contributes to a potentially disappointing end to the season.

I'm hearing Charlie Adam should have received his marching orders for standing on Giroud but a losing side will always look for excuses. I guess we will have to see it on Match of the Day for those who haven't seen today's match, but we didn't play this week and should have been all up for this one. I would be furious if I were Wenger!

We're not out of the title race but every defeat now puts a damper on our title chasing chances. When you consider Chelsea played in the week in the UEFA Champions League, they had won today's game against Fulham in a fifteen minute brace; something we couldn't do, or even look like doing apparently.

It really is frustrating news seeing the result as we lose ground on the title race. Liverpool have a chance to overtake us if they win at Southampton which is under way being this afternoon's late kick off (Suarez has put them 1-0 up as I write this), while Manchester City, who are two points behind us in third, have two games in hand.

Oldie: Stoke v Arsenal in the 2009-10 season.

All eyes on Manchester City tonight as we enter our crucial month

Tonight hosts a massive game in the Premier League with Manchester City playing Chelsea; a game coined as the most expensive in English football. Manchester City are contesting with us at the moment for top spot, while Chelsea are only five points behind us, so a draw will certainly be Arsenal's best bet.

We returned to top the table with our 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace yesterday, as our slip up a couple of weeks ago against Southampton meant we would finally give up top spot with Manchester City breathing down our necks. Oxlade-Chamberlain was on form to grab two well taken goals yesterday and it's great to see him return to the squad in such good form following the months he spent injured.

So now with City just two behind us, a draw will maintain our oh so sight advantage.

One thing which worries me though, with the season's end coming into sight, is the number of midfielders we have at Wenger's command. Wilshere, Ramsey, an now new signing Kim Kallstrom are all sidelined (not forgetting Abou Diaby I suppose?) and Flamini is serving a suspension. Flamini and Diaby disregarded, we are looking at around six weeks (seven to nine for full match fitness) for our other injured players to return; players we really need at this time of the season.    

Chambo in action last season.

The January transfer window is a great opportunity for managers to bring in extra numbers for the crucial final third of the season and Wenger recruited the injured Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow on loan. Since his arrival on Friday, Wenger has been forced to explain his decision in bringing the player in, who injured himself while falling on his back just days before his agreed move.

Wenger has now said the Swedish international may never feature for Arsenal will questions certainly why this deal went ahead. Wenger states if he knew the extent of his injury (Kallstrom could be sidelined for six weeks) then he would have looked elsewhere, though there was no time for that. Again, Wenger leaves things to the last minute so he can only blame himself for this one, especially after we had a great opportunity to sign Julian Draxler.

As I've said before, and as we all know all too well, this is a big month for us - probably season-defining. Liverpool are our next opponents in the Premier League up at Anfield, before we play four home matches in a row against Manchester United, Liverpool again (F.A Cup), Bayern Munich (UEFA Champions League) and Sunderland.

This month will prove whether we have the mental attitude and skill to continue maintaining our form against big sides, Bayern Munich particularly, and prove whether or not Wenger should have acted sooner when he had the chance in January.

Back to live football though, City v Chelsea tonight (20:00 k/o GMT) should be a great one and all eyes at the Emirates will be firmly locked on that one!

Kim Kallstrom on international duty for Sweden.

Wenger sticking to his guns with any January transfers unlikely

With no done deals for Arsenal so far this January, it appears Arsene Wenger is happy to carry out the remainder of the season with the current squad, regardless of injury concerns.

Ahead of our F.A Cup fourth round tie against Coventry City tomorrow night (7:45pm k/o GMT), Wenger told journalists at his press conference, "I feel a bit guilty always going to a press conference during the transfer market and having nobody to announce, but I don't want to lie.

"It looks very unlikely. At the moment we are not close to doing anything. Overall we have a very strong squad. If something exceptional turns up we will do it, but not everyone will strengthen - they buy, but that does not always mean strengthen" (BBC Sport).

I've said it before though and that is, with Arsene Wenger, you really can't ever be sure about what he says. He often appears to frustrate fans, before unveiling a new face. But in some ways, maybe he has learned from his past mistakes as I'll come onto shortly.

Arsene Wenger

Former Arsenal target Juan Mata is due to sign for Man Utd later today, upon completing his medical this afternoon for a fee believed to be around £37m. This will be a major boost to Moyes' title hopes as the Red Devils have looked a little out of place this season, not that any of us need reminding. We've been having a right laugh at them all season. Still Mata's signature is exactly what Wenger is talking about. There is no denying that this is an example of an exceptional player becoming available and so United are strengthening. All too often Wenger has dipped his toes in the water and fished out players like Park or Chamakh and look how that turned out for us.

I am a great admirer of Mata's talents and, as much as I wish to see United continue falling in dramatic decline this year, I wish Mata all the best at his new club in this World Cup year.

In terms of keeping players however, Wenger will talk to Thomas Vermaelen about extending his contract in the summer. I think he lost his way a little last season and it is hard separating the pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker this year. They have been exceptional, solid rocks at the back, in what is a much tougher and more hard working back-four. Vermalen was rumoured to be wanting a move away which you can understand knowing his defensive skills and with the World Cup approaching, he won't want to be missing a place in the Belgium defence. It would be a sad miss to see him leave however as he is still a very good defender to have, particularly with the injuries our defences have seen in seasons gone by. We'll keep track of this one as the summer approaches. 

I would still love to see United's Hernandez, who scored last night to take Manchester United to penalties against Sunderland, step in up front at Arsenal as we need a proven goalscorer from the Premier League. Maybe with Mata's attacking force, and considering when Van Persie, Rooney and Welbeck are all in the side, Hernandez may be that exceptional player Wenger might need.

Hernandez in action for Man Utd.

Rise of the Saints: Why Southampton will be no easy contest

At time of writing Liverpool and Everton have just drawn 3-3 in an exciting Merseyside derby, with Liverpool twice having taken the lead in today's lunchtime kick off! This gives us a chance to gain an extra two points on the Reds if we beat Southampton later. I love listening to BBC Radio 5 Live's football commentaries and I'm more than excited for coverage of Southampton's trip up to London. It's Saturday. It's matchday. It's the return of the Premier League!

But The Saints have almost certainly been the surprise package this year. No-one believed we would be top of the table at any stage, and nobody certainly would have expected to see Southampton flying high in third! But they deserve to be where they are with some very good displays this year, having lost just the one league game against Norwich at the end of August.

They're a side currently on an eight-game unbeaten league run with points gained against the likes of teams considered bigger than them in Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea. They'll come to the Emirates Stadium with mental belief because of more international players breaking through (Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Vincent Wanyama, Gastron Ramirez), of course their form, and with ourselves coming off the back of a disappointing loss against Manchester United last weekend.

I think we'll need to pick ourselves up following what happened at Old Trafford. Theo Walcott is finally back and refreshed having not played for England in the recent friendlies and could face the side where he learned the ropes. His pace will certainly give us something though I still doubt a lot of his end product.

A lot is being made of Ozil against Lallana but based on their playing history you'd feel the German would be laughing at the opponent's talent in comparison. But Southampton simply aren't a side to not do your homework on, and I still feel Ozil is adapting to the English game. Thankfully he was rested for Germany's matches and will be fully fit for this afternoon's clash which could prove the difference, although as I said, Lallana will be buoyed by his recent England call up, and midfield battles can prove who determines the points.

Mertesacker missed the Manchester United game last time and so be a big difference to our back four as he has proved this season. Of course he scored the goal which beat England in mid-week with Lambert not exactly causing him problems and so we'll hope for the same again today.

It makes for an interesting match up but Arsenal will need to find composure in front of their own fans quickly and eradicate the disappointment of Old Trafford as we look to gain extra points out in front ahead of Liverpool, the Saints, and Chelsea. Of course United, Everton, Spurs and City aren't all that far away either as the Premier League looks to be as close a run thing as ever. Unexpected and surprising things are happening, and none-more so than Southampton.

Arsenal v Southampton is due to have kicked off as I write this (just gone 3pm) but due to issues on the Piccadilly underground line in London, the kick off has been pushed back 15 minutes.

Ahead of the game: Mertesacker will need to be solid again against high flying Saints

A strong start but are cracks showing? Arsenal in the media

Are Arsenal showing the signs of title contenders? We may have been sunk by a single Van Persie goal at Old Trafford Sunday before last, ending our unbeaten league run and undefeated away streak, but we should come back from the international friendlies full of the confidence we have shown throughout the majority of the season.

Jack Wilshere may have been talking about his own performances on the club website, but the expectations of Arsenal as a whole are now high themselves, as they've set a standard to be carried on.

Overall there is no doubting the unexpected start to the 2013/14 football season that Arsenal have had. I think I speak for all supporters who are feeling more confident than in recent years of a solid campaign.  Whispers had been circulating of invincibility in the league, a feat they conquered exactly ten seasons ago. They might not be able to do that this year, but having lost only two league games, and four for the season so far, it makes for something interesting when these international friendlies are done with. We sit top of the Premier League table, are oozing in confidence, and playing styles of football not seen in an Arsenal side for some time.

In contention with Gareth Bale’s move to Madrid, Mesut Ozil’s transfer to Arsenal was considered the signing of the summer. His quality has certainly helped to bring out the best in the likes of Ramsey, Cazorla, Wilshere, and even Giroud has proved a little more deadly with help of the German assist-master. Club legend and one of our former invincibles, Robert Pires, revealed on Tribal Football that Ozil’s “quality” and “experience” at Madrid give Arsenal are shot at the title race this year.

The Mirror Online were quick to make us title contenders further after Ozil’s debut against Sunderland. Steve Simmons and Matt Law write the club even then “served notice that they deserve acclaim as potential champions”, adding of the improved performances of Ramsey seeking a place in what has proven to be a rather exciting looking midfield.

Eurosport believe this is the Gunners’ year too, showing an example of the side’s ability against Swansea where “their big players stepped up and bang, bang, bang, the game was over. Any team who have the ability to do that consistently will always be title contenders”.

On the other hand, former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen has made it no secret that he doesn’t feel our club will be champions come May. Writing in The Telegraph he says, “They will not end the season as champions” with still work needed on their defensive play. Hansen adds, “their critical is that they are just not good enough when they do not have the ball.”

So what’s it like in the camp itself? As much as confidence is high, Mikel Arteta played down talk of comparisons to that of the 2003/04 side. He told Sky Sports, “I don't think we are at that level yet, but competition makes everyone work harder so it is a great thing because it raises the level” but feels firmly about Ozil’s arrival as a “great message from the club.”

We do look good, but for how long they can maintain their class is anyone’s guess as we head into Arsenal’s dreaded winter period - if history tells you much. They were unfortunate in their losses to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United while a weakened side saw them go out of the Capital One Cup to Chelsea. 

But we proved to be too much for Liverpool who, if they can keep things going, will certainly be in contention as well next May. If we can keep the quality, get the likes of Podolski, Ox and Walcott back from injury and defeat the lesser sides who we’ve struggled to get results against in previous years, then we’ll have the points to prove the big club we know we are.

The league returns on Saturday (23/11) with Arsenal at home to high flying Southampton at the Emirates (3pm kick off). 

Who's number 1? Oh yeah

Manchester United v Arsenal: Hernandez to face his future club?

No Arsenal fan will need reminding of tomorrow's big Premier League clash against the 'mighty' Manchester United.

I use the word mighty very loosely based on David Moyes' side's season so far. They currently lie in eighth position in the Barclay Premier League, eight points behind us who are enjoying life at the top.

Wenger has called things weird without Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of Manchester United but the Red Devils will need to give David Moyes some time to take control of a club of such stature. To be fair to the Scot, he's been doing okay of late - some kind of revival perhaps? 

There is still plenty of football to be played and so likewise, Arsenal haven't won the title yet. That would be ridiculous to claim with Liverpool only two points behind at the moment. Chelsea's 2-2 with West Brom this afternoon however helps us to see off other competition for another couple of weeks, but we have to start off by going back five points clear of Liverpool, and then extending the points difference.

We'll take confidence from having been resilient against Borussia Dortmund in the week and gaining our revenge over the German side, following the unfortunate 2-1 loss last month, and our 2-0 win over second-placed Liverpool last weekend.

Javier Hernandez, who Wenger has pretty much denied interest in, may start tomorrow against us with Welbeck sidelined through injury. I'm sure he'll feature at the very least, with Rooney and Van Persie however the likely pairing, and I'm sure I speak for all Gooners who will hope our defence give the Dutchman a torrid time. Flamini could be back tomorrow which will certainly be helpful against United's attacking force.

I'll be keeping up with the Hernandez talk. As I've said before he would be a great asset up-front, particularly with Walcott, Podolski and Sanogo (though is he as useless as Bendtner and Park?) injured. He's hinted at his intentions of leaving Old Trafford but is yet to speak about the issue in the media.

In other news BT Sport have announced their winning bid in providing all Champions League TV coverage for at least three years from the start of the 2015/16 season. As if there wasn't enough money in football, they are taking away the free-to-air coverage of the Champions League meaning there will be only international matches available on ITV, while if you are a sky customer, you'll be losing all Champions League coverage too. It's frustrating as football should be free for all to view but money rules I guess which is the sorry state of the industry. You'd hope Sky would consider lowering their sports package by then due to the competition but I very much doubt that will happen!

With that off my chest,the game tomorrow kicks off at 4:10pm GMT, and is live on Sky Sports...although some of us have the unfortunate reality of being at work which sort of sucks! I'm sure I'll enjoy the result either way though. 2-1 Arsenal win!

Moving on? Chicarito Hernandez

Arsenal take five point lead at Premier League summit

It was a good weekend results-wise for Arsenal, not only beating second placed Liverpool 2-0 themselves, but Chelsea lost unexpectedly against Newcastle, while Spurs could only draw with Everton.

Highlights (foreign commentary) from Saturday's win.

In doing so it's a wonderful sight to see us edge just that little more out in front of Chelsea and Liverpool who sit second and third respectively. Beating Rodgers' side on Saturday shows Arsenal are up to the challenge this year by beating the bigger clubs when we have a full strength side out. 

We certainly made the most of Liverpool's three at the back system in the first half and it certainly helped us gain momentum. We played the game our way and attacked really well. Cazorla's goal was well taken, albeit through a little luck with his initial header rebounding off the post, but you need that sometimes. 

Arteta was in for the instrumental Flamini in the holding midfield role again and he deserved much praise for his display on Saturday. While many questioned Flamini's return to the Emirates, he has helped to boost Arsenal's defensive qualities and organisational play. We've certainly missed him over the last couple of weeks but Arteta was on top form on Saturday in his stead which is promising for a side who lack a lot of strength in depth.

The ever impressive Aaron Ramsey grabbed his tenth goal of the season and potentially another goal of the season contender at the same time. As great as it is for us and for Ramsey, our attackers aren't the ones scoring the goals. Giroud, as much as he has grown more confident in England, still needs chance after chance after chance to put the ball in the back of the net.

The French striker has eight goals to his name but this isn't the kind of stat seen by top class out-and-out forwards. And we can't call upon Bendtner or Park who are far from showing the qualities needed to even play football if I'm being totally honest! Other than Thierry Henry and what Van Persie showed during his time here (when he was fit at least), we haven't had a top class striker who has lit the Premier League alight in recent years. Having said that, he holds the ball up well and brings in others to join attacks but we would be much more ruthless if he didn't need X amount of shots before converting one to a goal himself.

I agree with most others that Wenger still needs to spend on another striker. With Podolski and Walcott still sidelined (and Walcott again needs chances after chances to find the net), Wenger needs to spend big on a household name up front. Of course we had our chances over the summer but then the signing of Ozil wasn't too bad I suppose. But other big names which circulated round the media and in an area we lack in disappeared in Higuain, Rooney and Suarez. Chelsea were reluctant to loan out Demba Ba to us but then Wenger wasn't prepared to match their £3m offer for the move.

I've always liked Javier Hernandez at Manchester United and he's not exactly been a starting choice for them over the years. He's even doubting his future at the club (Telegraph.co.uk - opens in new tab). He's still experienced and is a great striker, often finding goals when he gets chances. I'm surprised there wasn't a Van Persie for Hernandez offer when we sold RVP to the Red Devils, and if the latest news is true, Wenger needs to listen and make a move for the Mexican!

Arsenal travel to Borussia Dortmund for tomorrow night's Champions League encounter. Hopefully we'll be the team to come away with something this time. At the Emirates last month we were robbed by one-counter attack move and we were much the dominant side, particularly in the second half. Hopefully we can take our momentum and confidence to Germany and have our revenge.

Still, Dortmund won't be make things easy at their place but we've an undefeated-away streak to maintain!

Leading the line...kind of. Olivier Giroud.

Wenger gets it wrong (yet again) in the League Cup

It was clear by the starting line-ups who was taking this more seriously, as Chelsea deservedly went on to progress to the next round of the Capital Once Cup with a 2-0 win over the Gunners.

Not for the first time this season, Arsenal were undone by a counter attacking goal that proved enough to knock them out of the Capital One Cup.

Chelsea were by far the superior side on Tuesday night, in what was a wasted evening up the local! Mata scored a well struck shot on the edge of the area in the second half as they sealed their spot in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

But it was Wenger's usual approach to this competition that helped Jose Mourinho's side get the win and make it three defeats for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this season, with Wenger still without a win against a Chelsea-managed Mourinho.

I am more than with Wenger for his attitude on giving younger players who aren't on loan, a run out if we are against teams further down the football league. But we have all too often seen his thinking in putting out a weakened side against top teams, and it shoots us in the foot. We don't have as much strength in depth as Chelsea and it showed last night, and the likes of Bendtner and Park will surely move on in January or next summer.

Replacing Szczesny, Fabianski had little to do in between the sticks other than pick the ball out the net (twice) while reported want-out Vermaelen started at the back with Jenkinson to the right. An Ozil-less midfield still looked strong however with the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla and Rosicky. Ryo Miyaichi started out on the right wing but he lacked the desire and ability to break past the resilient Blues defence, and Bendtner, try as he might, was his typical self.

The fans cried for Giroud who eventually made way for the Dane but it came too late as Arsenal were already 2-0 down and looking all but out. Even Park made an appearance and that sums up Arsene's lack of passion for the competition. For a side who haven't won a trophy since 2005, and when up against a top side, can Wenger still be so nonchalant?

Nine lives: Mourinho has never lost any of the nine ties against Arsenal in his two
managerial campaigns with Chelsea.

I'm surprised Jenkinson played the full 90 minutes too. It was partially his error that led to Chelsea's opening goal. From our corner, they cleared and Eto'o brought the ball forward. The ball looped up in the air and Wilshere and Jenkinson both backed off the high ball, before the Finnish right back headed a woeful ball back to Fabianski, who was unable to get to the ball before Chelsea's own right back Azpilicueta.

He often needs a run of games under his belt, and simply returning last night against a strong Chelsea side showed he wasn't ready for that kind of match, looking a shadow of the improved player we saw last season.

Wenger will surely take the blame though for the side he chose to put out last night. Having said that, Liverpool are next up in the Premier League on Saturday evening (17:30pm k/o) so you can understand his reasoning for maybe wanting to rest some players. They currently sit two points behind in third (joint second with Chelsea though the Blues have a better goal difference by one), and Brendan Rodgers' side will again not make things easy for us.

However, after the losses against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, and a less emphatic display against Crystal Palace in-between, fans will be hoping a general dip in form among the who club isn't on the verge of culminating.

Mata (left), once an Arsenal target, proves his point to Mourinho
 as the Spaniard sinks us.