5-0: a good result and a small measure of the tonic required

As I see another commercial for ‘Foxy Bingo’ presented by that terrifying speaking Fox that’s certain to haunt my nightmares, I’m writing this post feeling a little happier about being a Gooner.

Many people, from the media to the fans, are sure to offer up statements along the lines of “it’s only Orient”, but you can only beat what’s in front of you and a comfortable, resounding victory was exactly what the doctor ordered.

The game played out like a training exercise for the most part with Arsenal making chances at their will and our lower-league opponents commendably doing their best to pass the ball around and cause us problems. The result was never in danger from the moment Chamakh slotted home Rosicky’s cut-back in the seventh minute – his first goal in 4 months after a terrific start to his Arsenal career.

The obvious plus point of the night was the enigmatic and slightly frustrating, Nicklas Bendtner. At times, the languid Dane can appear completely disinterested; sauntering around, chewing gum and generally appearing like proceedings are beneath him. Just when the groans of discontent are reaching a crescendo, he’ll do something that shows us how good he is capable of being. He has bags of talent, he’s an imposing figure and I imagine most defenders dread playing against someone so unpredictable. It’s almost as if he needs to be barracked by the opposing fans, as if he thrives on reacting to the opprobrious chants aimed at him, as if he’s only really compelled to perform when he’s proving a point to someone. His hat-trick was two exceptional finishes and a penalty, 3 clinical strikes any striker would be proud of. With van Persie possessing limbs made of gingerbread, Bendy, and Chamakh as well, are invaluable members of our squad and we need them to be firing on all cylinders with the important games we’ve got coming.

I love the guy, personally. I like his spectacular over-confidence and his attitude. If he could add consistency and focus to his game in greater measure, then he might find himself getting closer to his dream of being the greatest footballer in the world. We are going to need him to do precisely that over the coming months.

A good result last night and a clean sheet for Almunia. Young Conor Henderson had a solid, if unspectacular, debut and I continue to be impressed by Ignasi Miquel at the back. The only dampener being a serious-looking injury to Tomas Rosicky, who left the field on a stretcher in much the same manner as Wakcott did last week.

Let me know your thoughts, views and covert sexual advances in the comments section.

Thanks for reading, you beautiful bastards.