We have been here before. In fact we have been here for nearly five years now. We continue to show so much potential and at the same time look so shaky and unsure at times. Once again our season is promising so much, but sudden lapses in concentration and application have already been punished to the full on two occasions in Manchester. The weekend’s victory against Wigan was comfortable in the end, but the only real difference between the teams in the first 60 minutes was Thomas Vermaelen. He really looks the part and is very assured in front of goal for a defender. The kids did their job on Tuesday night, albeit they were a little lucky to in it after a few good chances went begging for the Baggies. The future looks bright, but it did five years ago, and we are still waiting for the promise to turn into a reality. So next up, Fulham.

Last season's defeat there was one of our poorest performance of the campaign. Fulham have not started the season as they finished last, so this, on paper looks a good bet for an away win. So why do I have this feeling that our Premiership title challenge could be over come Saturday evening?

When put under periods of intense pressure, we lose the ability to do simple things. Sometimes Row Z is the best place for the ball. Even against Wigan on Saturday, we had another case of penalty area pinball, where at least three of our defenders had the chance to put six lace holes through the bloody thing, but each of them wanted a extra touch, and to walk the ball up to the halfway line, and once again simple passes went astray in areas of the pitch far too close to our own area.

Arsene insists he will stick to his 100% total football philosophy. Unfortunately, this in my opinion will result in lots of praise for playing attractive, attacking football, but no trophies once again.

For me, we are stuck in a footballing limbo. We seem to be making little inroads into United's and Chelski's dominance and now Man City's billions will cause us to look over our shoulder all season. Liverpool are not as strong, but still a good bet for the top four. So we must push on and learn to grind things out when the pretty passing and silky touches are not cutting it on a wet Wednesday night at Burnley or Blackburn.

Here's hoping that I am proven wrong and the team has turned the corner.