Arq

Well, Arsenal dropped points today. That and our win versus the Spuds made for a good day overall.

I looked shortly after the match ended and a lot of talk was how they did well with their makeshift squad versus our full squad. Some said that our midfield was just better. Lots slagged their own back line. Those were the main talking points when I looked.

How is Balotelli still on the pitch?

Except for Spain for some reason. Whatever though, Del Bosque can keep letting Mata have rest during those breaks. I'm not complaining at all...

Let's not forget that Cech was immense once again. He made some great saves for us, and that's what great keepers do... They have great performances. With that said, I voted for Mata. Unbelievable how he performed especially in the last 30-35 minutes. Absolutely brilliant for us! Lots of good stuff today even with that 15 minutes or so of a lackluster performance at the start of the second half.

I didn't type that fast enough because I was laughing at the tele. Let's hope WBA can take advantage...

We really fought back after going down 2-1. I'm not sure what happened at HT, but we looked flat and sloppy until a few minutes after going behind. Full credit to the lads for coming back though. That's what championship teams do, even after having periods of not playing their best they come through with the will to win and show their true quality. We turned it around and played some great looking football after that. We certainly have that hunger and I can see great things coming from this team. And again, good subs from RDM. Sturridge breathed some life into the right wing (we were looking very empty there at times during the second half) and Lamps to see it out.

The Mikel bashing has bled over into way too many threads. It's everywhere. Obviously we can't even have a rumour discussion about Falcao without turning the thread into one about Mikel. Before you say, "Well if you don't like it just ignore my posts." Think about that for a minute. This is a thread about Falcao and I'm here to read about Falcao, people's thoughts about him, news media posts about Falcao, etc. When I click on this thread I'm really expecting to see discussion about Falcao. Go and make a 200 page Mikel thread for all I care, and we can debate Mikel's worth or lack thereof until our fingers hurt so bad that we cannot type any more.

And here I thought this was the Falcao thread...

Tough read (paragraphs would have been good), but a good read.

I thought it was pretty disappointing. The actors/actresses are some of the best but the storyline was just average especially with it being essentially the prequel to Alien (even though not necessarily called as such). With that said, God I love looking at Charlize Theron...

If he saw that, he would probably take a second look to be sure he didn't just register on an Arsenal forum.

The Suarez dive is hilarious. It's like a horrible belly flop.

Absolutely brilliant Gem!! It looks fantastic. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort you put in to making this card! You definitely define the true meaning of a fan. Cheers.

The Spuds will be full of confidence in two weeks when they face us. This will be another statement match for the lads. Let's hope for no injuries or other setbacks during the break.

Probably after the international break.

Well said and completely agree.

Mata for me. Created many opportunities. The only thing missing from his performance today was a goal of his own. Lots of great performances from the lads. Good way to head into the break.

Nope I don't. Don't misunderstand me though, we're really splitting hairs since all the keepers you mentioned are World class. With that said, I think Buffon and Hart are pretty equal with both being better than Casillas. Again though, splitting hairs. It's not that Casillas is average, not by any means, but I believe of the ones you mentioned he's the worst of that bunch. The reality is, there isn't too much of a difference between all of the keepers you mentioned. To pick the "best" or which is better than the other is really tough, but in my opinion that's how I see them shake out.

Oh how I wish we would have taken a flyer and signed Reus. I think he's going to be outstanding for years to come. Same for Götze, but I believe him when he says he has no desire to come to England. I would expect him to either stay at Dortmund or move to Bayern. If it wasn't for Özil, I believe he would already be the first choice #10 for the DFB.

Hello OG! Good to see "him" back in action for someone. I don't necessarily agree with all of your keepers, but I completely agree with Neuer. If we didn't have Cech, that is who I'd want to be wearing our kit. Hart is one of the best in the World though, that I do believe.

Well played. Unexpected and provided a horrifying visual. 7/10

Ballack was, and still is, one of my favourite players. I have lots of fond memories not only with Chelsea but with his time with the German national team. I feel he was better for us than a lot of people would give him credit for. I wish we would have kept him but I understand a business is a business. In hockey, there's a term called "Enforcer". That would have been appropriate to use for him. He had some finess, but lots of power and was known for it. A true man on the pitch, not one to be afraid to give the hard fowl. That power and his pitch presence imho we could still use even today. Very sad to see him retire. Good luck to you Herr Ballack, #13, in what ever you do next.

Anyone have highlights?

Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to watch this one. I'm pretty confident that we should get the three points but only if the lads don't take this match for granted. COYB!!