Arsenal 2, Blackburn 1

So we won 2-1 against Blackburn. It wasn’t a bad effort. We conceded a weak goal, we scored two good goals, and we won despite a lot of scrappy play. We had some good players and some poor players. We were let down on occasion, but mostly, we did alright.

And besides, three points from Ewood Park is always welcome.

I thought Theo had a great game. He was direct and fast, and always offered an option out wide. He’s also started shooting from distance. His goal was indicative of how he’s going to be effective in the years ahead - cutting in from wide, latching onto a through ball, cold-blooded finishing. It’s just a shame that he hasn’t really improved the winger aspects of his game. If he had the option of going out wide and crossing the ball with accuracy, then he’ll be an amazing player.

I’m not sure what happened with the conceded goal. They came down our right flank with speed. Sagna was nowhere to be seen. Koscielny drifted across to mark the winger. Vermaelen and Clichy got too square and no one was marking Mame Diouf. It’s a bit sloppy, and we scored again later, but it’s something that needs to be ironed out. Defensive discipline is important.

I found it funny when Cesc Fabregas got substituted and gave his armband to Song. Song then walked over and gave it to Vermaelen. Vermaelen then gave it to Almunia, who put it on. It just shows the leadership deficit at the club. Why is it that the only player willing to assume a leadership position is the player we’re all hoping will be displaced by a new signing? Why aren’t Song and Vermaelen eager to put on the armband? What does this say about the moral fibre of our side?

Meanwhile, Stoke are going to sue Arsene Wenger for accusing Stoke and Ryan Shawcross "of being like rugby players”. Manager Tony Pullis said:

"We fought two world wars to say what we like – but what Arsene said about Ryan was wrong. It was poor. It has now gone from executive to executive between the clubs. The lawyers are involved and we would like something sorted out."

I would find this funny as well if it wasn’t so sad, and petty and dumb. Ryan Shawcross, (a good lad without a evil bone in his body), broke Ramsey leg last February. Ramsey will be out for nearly a year, and there’s a chance he’ll never be the same again (look at Eduardo and Diaby). I think calling them “rugby players” is mild, to say the least. If I was Arsene Wenger, I wouldn’t just be making disparaging remarks in a national paper.

So on the 239th last day of my 20s, I went to church, had lunch, went home. Had lunch at the same table as the GOMD’s mother, which was a strange experience. I was torn between sucking up to her about Christianity, and taking the piss out of Christianity by being overly sanctimonious. I’m not sure how I came across. It didn’t help that my friend kept rolling her eyes and laughing whenever I said something devout. Hard to appear genuine (or be genuine) when one feels like one’s playing to a crowd.