By Ben Harrington

I awoke on saturday morning from my usual Friday night debauchery still fresh in my head with a huge sense of optimism, well who wouldn't after the run we've been on.

The usual emirates match day meet up ensued and this time I met up with the Birch clan in one of their favored real drink establishments for a couple of rather nice but questionable Czech lagers at Euston station.

Couple of pints later we arrived at a hugely packed Gunners pub as the Away Boys were in full swing. My optimism for the late kick off was gathering pace as each pint was sunk.

I took my place in block 6 and straight away the team was announced, Djourou and Arshavin coming in for Koscielny and Gervinho. Whilst I can understand Djourou coming in due to Kos being gassed on weds, I was surprised to see the seemingly out of favor Russian be flung right back into the starting line up.

I thought this could be a chance to give the boss a good headache, but it wasn’t meant to be as he looked lazy, sluggish and at times he looked completely disinterested. I am a fan of Arshavin but he must be on borrowed time at Arsenal.

The first half itself was like the Russian, slow, ponderous and little was happening. He had a goal chalked off for offside early doors, Ramsey had an effort well saved by Schwarzer. He then had another chance half way through the half but fired high and wide. Walcott seemed lively once again but that was about it for The Arsenal.

A huge improvement was needed in the second half but it didn't come, Vermaelen steering the ball into his own net just after half time put the Cottagers ahead. Wasn't all doom and gloom at this point as I thought going behind would stir the home side into action.

Djourou had a header well saved by Schwarzer and RVP had an effort cleared off the line, so was rather anxious at this point. The changes made by Wenger livened the team up, Gervinho was very lively and that in turn seemed to stir Andre Santos into life and between the pair of them they created wave after wave of attacks. Just as an afternoon of frustration was looming Vermaelen strode forward and met a Theo cross to level matters. We pressed for a winner in the remaining 10 but was unable to come up with one.

1-1 was overall a fair result for me as Fulahm were very well organized by Jol from the outset.

After the game a trip to the Tollington was in order and a decipher of the action was had with Kal, Nick, Gav and Lindsay.

Needless to say the post match confab didn't end there, a trip back to the Gunners to meet Nate was had. Needless to say it was rather lively from one moment going bananas to Human by the Away Boyz to Nate pilfering a bottle of Jäger and clambering onto a wheelie bin! It was a fantastic post-match that in no way mirrored the performance of The Arsenal.

Until next time.

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