Lesson learnt?

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
28 Aug	3:00 PM	P	Blackburn Rovers (A)	2	1	Win

Yesterday was a big, big test at Ewood Park, one that had understandably had me nervous pre-match. It was also a test that we have thankfully come through with flying colours. That, despite a first half, in which, a deflected Abou Diaby effort off the line and a thumping finish by the in-form Theo Walcott apart, produced very little in terms of creation and threatened plenty in terms of souring our moods.

In fairness, we had dealt with Blackburn's aerial bombardment pretty well in that half (that despite Morten Gamst Pedersen's best efforts at being Rory Delap for the day), and it was only some sloppy defensive play by Laurent Koscielny that had got the home side back into the match, thus encouraging Rovers to attack.

The second half, however, was a different story altogether, with the team showing the sort of clinical calm and serene composure to edge in front thanks to the sudden coming-to-life of Andrey Arshavin, and see out a victory in what is a very difficult ground to visit.

Of course, Blackburn weren't done there. They rallied and huffed and puffed, desperately attempting to wrestle back the momentum. Having said that, the measure of control in which our defence (including Manuel Almunia!) was almost effortlessly able to repel any kind of threat, as well as turn defence to attack at speed, with wasted chances to wrap up the match via the brilliant Walcott and sub Jack Wilshere, was quite impressive (apart from the fact that the chances were wasted, obviously). Nevertheless, we saw it out and we go home happy. Wenger victorious, Fat Sam clueless. Brilliant.

With the internationals now looming (what a perfect time for Robin van Persie to get injured, by the way), it was important to follow up our opening day draw at Anfield with six points, leaving us in a very healthy position. Watching the match from a dodgy channel abroad with English commentary provided, the co-commentator posed the question whether yesterday was the day Arsenal had announced their arrival in the title race? Somewhat stupidly, if I may add. Arsenal are always expected to be in the title race; it is just a question of lasting the distance, and that we haven't managed for six-odd years. Point taken though, as many have stressed that this is the sort of fixture required to be won early on to stamp one's credentials.

But we should not take our foot off the gas. We have secured wins away to tricky opposition in the past, as recently as last season in fact, with many victories nicked in the final moments of matches. Evidence that the quality, durability and resilience have always been there, yet without the needed consistency, perhaps. This is the big test, and, as pleasing as a win at Ewood Park is, we must not pack our bags and fly up to cloud nine just yet, bearing in mind how early it is in the season.

And bearing in mind that, Sunderland, our next away opponents (with home fixtures against Bolton and Braga to end our mini-series of matches vs. "B"-lettered teams before that) will represent a similarly stiff challenge, at a ground where we haven't won for a considerable amount of time (losing there last season).

By then, we will know whether the manager had indeed dipped one more time into the transfer market, or whether we are to make do with what we've got. Speaking of which, a big welcome to Sébastien Squillaci, whose signature goes a long way to plugging the gap of power and experience left by the summer's departures.

Also speaking of which, isn't it funny- no, not funny, hilarious how, as soon as one of them across the road asserts their ambition of finishing above us, this time, in fact, going as far as suggesting that they are going to go on to win the title, they royally screw things up!? Thanks a lot William Gallas; I just knew he was there as an undercover agent, you know!

Back to all things Arsenal, and despite Almunia impressing yesterday (let's be fair and give credit where credit is due), the man just does not fill me with any confidence whatsoever in the long haul. A typically strong performance (or performances) can easily be followed up by one huge muck-up at the derby that would undo all his good work (and our season). And so the acquisition of a better goalkeeper very much remains the final piece in what would look like a very good jigsaw.

Not that Wenger is planning to sign anybody anytime soon. The manager was very equivocal when quizzed at the prospect, stating that "our transfer market is dead". Great! Alright, he did back it up with "at the moment", but you can pretty much tell that this is it as far as summer deals go.

Which is just as well, as I do not intend to spend the whole of transfer deadline night browsing the internet and every sports channel furiously in the hope that we have announced a late groundbreaking deal, having done so with ultimate disappointment over the last two summers.

You watch us go and get Messi now. Ok, not Messi, but you get my drift.

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