I am one of those Arsenal fans that waivers between total, unrealistic optimism and crushing pessimism; there does not seem to be a middle ground for me. However after the Porto game, which I naturally expected to send me into a debilitating spiral of self-pity, I was not as annoyed as I thought I might be. We still have a good chance of progressing, and while I agree that we will probably be found out by Man United/Real/Barca/Inter/Chelsea if we advance, you never know over two legs. And I must say I disagree strongly with the negativity of your player ratings (apart from Fabregas, which I actually thought went too far the other way.) Here is how I would judge the players that lined up against Porto (not our starting eleven, remember.)

(Apologies in advance if I sound like an excuse-making apologist, it was after all a terrible team performance that will require some word-wrangling.)

Fabianski - I am not a goalkeeping coach and so have no idea if he is actually good enough. What I do know is that we can't afford to keep playing him in games where his mistakes will cost us goals and points. A loan away would help him gain match experience...

Sagna - Out of form, as you mention, but should be kept, as you also mention.

Sol - I really think he is a quality signing. He was never intended as a starting player, but Gallas and Vermaelen definitely need cover and he is more than capable. No real pace but brings experience and height to a team that lack both. Second goal arguably his fault but much more than it was Fabianski's.

Vermaelen - No real complaints, has been quality consistently this season.

Clichy - Has not been the player he was two seasons ago, but form is temporary. He has the pace, ability, and footballing intelligence to recover from this poor run - I hope he is in the starting line-up next season.

Diaby - Inconsistent is right, but he has shown very significant signs of gaining consistency. I think he is a class player who nowadays has a big impact on the games he plays. Also brings a bit of muscle to the midfield.

Fabregas - I think the fawning over Cesc is getting a bit sickening. He is our best player, and clearly vital to the team, but he is not bigger than Arsenal. He has been off form, for me, since we beat Villa over Christmas. If he is so disheartened at playing with these 'jokers' as you describe them, I would actually prefer he went and sat on Barca's bench. (Actually reading that back, no I wouldn't!)

Denilson - Shows flashes of quality but I would have to agree with you here.

Rosicky - Another player who has not really been performing, but that is true of the team overall and he is dangerous and brilliant when on form. I believe he is our fourth most important player.

Bendtner - I think it's highly unfair to claim he is 'short on basic ability.' Has not played much this season, and like more or less every player, has struggled with injuries, but I think he deserves to be given a bit more time. Has good hold-up play and can definitely score goals, we just need him to start doing so right now.

Nasri - Gets cast as another 'too small, too lightweight' member of Wenger's team of dwarves, and it has become fashionable recently to claim he does nothing. Another player who has been suffering with injuries and form, but that is indicative of the team as a whole. He is definitely useful when he plays well (which he didn't on Wednesday).

Overall the side is currently suffering from a sort of malaise, but one loss, away, to two stupid goals does not make a bad team. Looking at our ideal starting eleven (i.e. Gallas in, swap Nasri or Rosicky for Denilson, Van Persie up front and Arshavin left) I genuinely think it is either the best or second best starting line-up in the country. The problem is, of course, that we get to use our preferred starting line-up maybe once a season, on the first day, before six players get injured and we have to start plugging gaps.

I remain confident that we can get through Porto, and hopeful that our team is in better shape come the next round, if we do.