Is Jack essential to our success this season?

7 games into this young season and the another international break has come. So i took this time to reflect on the one bright spot of the gunners season so far. That being, the ever involved Jack Wilshere. For a mere 18 year old he has the gile of a veteren in the middle of midfield. Arsenal's fourth place standing right now is far from what I would like to see, but I have to ask myself where would we be without Wilshere. Because of the injury crisis that is ever present at Arsenal, Jack has been pushed into the big stage and has handled it with more than anyone could have expected. Although it is not exactly a blinding start on paper ( he only has one assist in 5 Premier league starts), it is easy to look out and see how he has handled himself and the ball in the middle of the park for us. It is so easy to forget that this chap is only 18 and his progress as a football is just beginning at the top level. He is everything Arsenal needs in one package. He is a workhorse in the middle and pressures the ball at every opportunity. Along with his attacking prowess and the his passing ability he is a joy to watch. If Wenger can stick around for a few more years, I believe young Jack will lead this team to the promise land. Trophies, trophies and more trophies!

The scum do it again...

Another trip to the bridge, and yet another loss. There is just something about Chelsea at the bridge that is devastating. For much of the match my gunners controlled the game and yet were torn apart by two precisely place balls. In truth, my feelings going into the game was hoping for a draw, but alas we could not manage even a point. Many commentators will jump on this game, and yet again rant about the failings of playing the smooth and silky game our gunners play. However, I will continue defend our play and our club against these claims. Our team did well for all the injuries we have incurred this season and I was pleased with our effort in the second half, aside from Arshavin. Unfortunately this leaves me feeling no better about yet another defeat to Drogba and the rest of the scum....

Player Ratings

Fabianski... 7

Looked shaky as usual with balls in the air. Little he could do about either goals though.

Squillaci... 6

Slow seems to be a theme with him. Had trouble with Drogba on a few occasions. We need the verminator back.

Koscielny... 7

Good marking but still overpowered by the chelsea attack. Gave up the free kick that led to the Alex goal.

Sagna... 6

Little provided in attack, but somewhat solid in defense.

Clichy... 5

Caught up field a couple times. Needs to stop shooting the ball. Two or three terrible thrashes at the ball in the chelsea half. Gibbs is deserving of the starting role when healthy.

Song... 7

Strong in defense and held onto the ball alright in the attacking area. However lacked any kind of real attacking force.

Wilshere... 8

Partly getting a high rating just for attitude and effort. I love this kid, and when he is in our team we push forward much faster. Good attacking and a tenacious attitude.

Nasri... 8

Along with Wilshere, the best player on the pitch for us. Good control and passing for the most part.

Diaby.... 7

Played better than earlier this season. still dwells on the ball too long. Needs to use his leggy strides more often and he would make us a better attacking side.

Arshavin... 4

Had one good shot on goal. Overall lazy performance with little to contribute. Gave the ball away a number of times.

Chamakh... 6

Looked overpowered around the chelsea box. Went down a little easy two or three times. Not one of his best games at all.

Subs

Rosicky... 7

Played well and looked dangerous. Nothing on the end of it though.

Emmanuel-Thomas.... 6

Odd choice by wenger, and really wasn't in the game much for the time he was on.

Vela.... n/a

Not enough time on pitch to do anything. Game was already over when he was introduced.