(Ed’s note. Another piece I intended posting at the weekend when the site was down. Please bear in mind this was written before Sunday, just don’t want to waste it.)

Arsenal have, for many a season now, been accused of not having the backbone, steel, guts, bottle or determination to win a game when their backs are against the wall.

Well last Wednesday evening at home, the backs were against the wall, and they showed us that we will no longer be pushed around by the likes of Bolton, who in the past have been a thorn in the side. Owen Colye called the Gallas tackle an “assault”. Is he having a laugh? Kevin Davies does nothing else during a match than physically attack any opposition player within 10 yards of him. Don’t dish it out and not expect some back. Owen’s problem is that he, and no one else expects to get a bit of bullying and spite from Arsenal’s midgets. The average height difference of the sides last week looked at least 6 inches, maybe more.

The players have clearly decided that enough is enough, and if teams want a physical game, then the boys are now clearly up for it! And about time too.

And this new “Kick em back” attitude combined with our usual brilliant football will undoubtedly take us very close this year. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t condone violent and reckless tackles. We, more than most, have suffered the consequences of butchers like Martin Taylor, Kevin Davies, and the like. But teams will be less likely to rough us up if they think that we might give it back.

After another match against a bunch of hackers in the cup, comes the real test of steel and skill. Four matches that will certainly determine our Premiership season. I would take eight points now. We must not lose to Utd and Chelski as they are the two we are in direct competition with. Villa and Liverpool are fighting a separate battle for fourth place now, and wins against those and draws with Utd and Chelski - while being a little disappointing - would keep us in touch at the top.

Let’s hope it’s not long before we can once again say, ‘We are top the League!!!!!!!!’