We did not expect to see Sol again so soon but the guy was just immense last Wednesday evening. Strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and using all his experience to nullify a very lively Villa. Imagine the panic if Silvestre had been brought on. Arsene has seen his re-signing of Sol reap rewards immediately.

The rest of the team seemed to feed off his confidence and almost go on and win the game. We just about deserved a win that never came and Sol was the springboard that saw the team make a more than decent attempt to take all three points. Clichy was a little dodgy on occasions and Denilson gave the ball away in dangerous positions but I stopped worrying because Sol and let’s not forget Gallas were rock solid in the centre.

Sol seems to have regained all the old enthusiasm that he lost on that fateful day against West Ham. He really was as strong as an ox and a real pillar of strength. He used all his experience to stop the marauding Dunn late in the game and even got away with the foul.

We played some decent football and did not seem as fragile as we have in some away games. Rosicky should have buried the best chance when he hit the bar, but could have had a better chance earlier if Ramsay not got in his way. There was some good flowing passing and an urgency and determination about the team.

We looked dangerous and seemed on the brink of scoring on several occasions, but just could not find that final pass. If we can get near to a fully fit squad we could come good at the business end of the season.

Was it a point won or two lost? Only the coming weeks can answer that question, but I for one feel more confident now we have our Sol back.