It was encouraging to see Sol Campbell looking so solid and calm for much of the game against Stoke. He did tire late on but is a better replacement to have than Silvestre. A great bit of business by Arsene.

Enough fans have moaned we needed more experience and we have it. He is never going to be a regular through choice, but I cannot think of a better first choice reserve centre back anywhere. I am sure his experience and influence around the club will prove invaluable. He chose to come to Arsenal twice, which will no doubt stick in all Spurs throats.

Last Sunday, I thought the more the first half went on we looked to be getting into our stride and I waited for our passing to take Stoke apart. This did not happen and the second half was a real damp squid with Stoke deserving their win. With their inferior football it was galling but shows how badly we performed. Walcott was appalling and Vela flatters to deceive but neither has had a long run in the team. The jury is out but time is running out, particularly for Walcott.

It was strange that as soon as we brought on three subs we than lost the game. Arshavin is brilliant at times but did not look interested and lost the ball on several occasions not looking too bothered. I hope that was a one off and he rips the Villa net a couple of times this evening. It has been a worrying trait that we have surrendered games away from home to inferior teams when we have not found our passing game.

We all know the next four weeks could define our season. I have a nagging feeling that we may fall just short. I hope I am wrong but we have a vulnerability that other teams seem to sense. Look at our defensive record - it is worse than all our main competitors and in my opinion is why we have not won a trophy in five years.