Now, to look to the future

Well, all three won over the weekend, that is, the trio of Chelsea (4-1 against Crystal Palace), ManYoo (1 to Fulhams nil) and the Gunners (Van Persie strike got the 3 points against Blackburn). I have a feeling this year's championship will end in this order.

Sad case for a Gooner supporter though.

But all is not loss. The weekend game, the one before against Bolton and to an extent, the 1 nil win over Bayern threw some light on the Arsenal. That is the young players are almost there, reaching first team quality.

Pete Gill's opinion piece,"The Premiership Weekend Winners and Loosers", at Football365 puts it better -

Arsenal’s Youngsters

Of the three, Arsenal had the most reason for satisfaction this Saturday as they faced the most difficult task, and faced it with “my under-21 side” according to Arsene Wenger

Robin van Persie was the match-winner with an exquisite turn and finish. If he can contain his temper, the Dutch youngster has the talent to be the successor to compatriot Dennis Bergkamp. Ditto Jose Reyes; anonymous and peripheral as a left-winger, the Spaniard is a revitalised and effervescent figure as a striker.

Philippe Senderos impressed once more, and while Cesc Fabregas excelled as an emergency right-winger, Sven ought to have noted how adroitly Ashley Cole functioned as a midfielder ahead of Gael Clichy.

"Every one is quality; the trick now is for Arsene to give them more opportunities,” said an admiring Mark Hughes. “If you've got faith in youth and your ability to develop it you can really reap the benefits. It's open to debate but you can draw parallels with Arsene’s young players now and the group Sir Alex brought through."

It’s been a disconcerting season for Arsene Wenger, but there is plenty of hope for the future.