Jersey No. 5

Jersey No 5: Thomas Vermaelen. The Club's only major signing in the summer window of 2009 and a more than ideal replacement for Kolo Toure who moved on to Manchester City. 4 goals in 8 matches (including the 2 against Wigan yesterday) and the new kid on the block has already proved his mettle in a side which is desperately seeking to win any form of silverware this season.

At 23, he is young and full of new blood. Also he has a responsible head on his shoulders having captained his Belgium club Ajax last season. In the intial games of the season, he seemed to have put the fire back in Gallas' belly. Isnt it ironical that after 8 games, Gallas is the seond highest scorer for Arsenal with 3 goals. Two defenders mind you!!! The strikers have yet to start firing on all cylinders.

The last couple of weeks were tough. 2 back to back away defeats, first at the hands of old rivals Man Utd and then after a week at the hands of the newly resurrected Man City (ohh how I hate Adebayor now!!!). Midweek was also not that easy. Being 2 goals down within 5 minutes against a Belgium side could have been the undoing of the English Club which boasted of a Big 4 finish season after season after season. But Arsenal clawed back (though a couple of goals were sketchy). Again a goal by Vermealen.

The 4-0 rout of Wigan at home was good, but still we are found lacking against those established clubs (the other 3). With Man City knocking at the doors of the Big 4 already with a perfect record in as many games, it is apprehension that the Gooner inside me feels.

There is still time to take on Chealsea (29th Nov, its a home game) but we have Tot Hotspur (31st Oct, at home again) which will be challenging :). Hope we don't have any slip ups until that atleast in the EPL.

P.S: Rosicky is back and looks smooth and sleek again. Want to watch more of him!!! Been a long time....