The 3-0 win against Villa was a true high point in the season so far, especially against an opponent that has caused us so many problems at the E******s and has more recently been a thorn in the side of other title rivals. While Cesc was inspirational, Vermaelen, Gallas and especially Song need to be singled out for praise. Only the staunchest Gooner will claim that in the coming winter the latter will not be missed and this website has given some interesting theories as to how we should make provisions.

Let’s hope that absence does not make the heart grow fonder, however I truly believe Wenger will neither buy nor loan to cover Song's absence. The African Cup of Nations was not announced two weeks ago and Arsene Wenger must have had a contingency plan in place before the season started, which I believe involves playing Diaby or Ramsey alongside Denilson in the holding role.

Wenger has previously stated that Diaby is not a defensive midfielder, but Le Boss has been known to change his mind occasionally and as a short term solution I see no reason why Diaby's more attacking instincts cannot be reigned in. Ramsey has played in the Song role against Wolves, albeit it to little effect, but I would not be surprised if he was given another opportunity to impress. Recall how Song began to surge forward against Villa; both Ramsey and Diaby are skilled in making late runs into the box from deep as we have seen recently so the defensive role at Arsenal does not require a stoic David Batty-esque player to simply sit in front to the centre backs.

Vieira is not likely to return in a World Cup year where after Song's return his first team chances will be limited, and Gilberto similarly would not see himself as a bench warmer. If Arsenal do splash out I see a striker coming in along with a central defender to cover Senderos' belated departure. Sol Campbell anyone?