The two season ticket holders behind us are Waldorf and Statler in the making. Methinks time will not weary them, that through the years they will condemn. These young Muppets love to carp. Like our manager, they adhere to a squad rotation policy of sorts. Against Porto it was Arshavin's turn, even though he'd been involved twice in Bendtner's opener; Nic's second was not so much "made" by our Russian as delivered, gift-wrapped, on a silver salver. Incredible.

As I pondered their ingratitude and when I'd next witness such sublime individual skill, up popped little Samir Nasri to settle matters and nerves - and answer my question. Magnifique. Yes, lest we forget, Porto were enjoying by far their best spell and, twice in quick succession, nearly squared the tie. Pre-match, some Gooners put a positive spin - well, a General Election looms, I suppose - on a not unlikely 'round of 16' exit that would allow us to concentrate on the Premier League; a competition these same naysayers had written off our hopes of winning at least twice this season (of those that had ever given us any chance, that is). Are these also the folks who bemoan annually premature FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) exits, citing (correctly, for once) loss of momentum, morale and the chance of meaningful silverware (Totts take note)? A little consistency, please.

Perhaps they were just preparing mentally for what was admittedly a distinct possibility given the absence of our entire 'spine' of RVP/Cesc/Gallas. But this squad is by no means spineless; although many contend it to be Arsene's weakest ever. I disagree profoundly. Players in decline are referred to as being shadows - often pale ones - of their former selves. How to compare, though, Alex Song, circa 2010 model, with the spluttering 2006 prototype unveiled at Craven Cottage to universal derision?

Money can ease life's burdens but cannot guarantee success in (or on) any field. For arrogant Citeh and Adebayor, world domination - think of your favourite "Bond" villain - has been put on hold. Ditto Real Madrid, who've not contested a Champions League quarter-final for six seasons. On Friday we'll be anticipating our fifth such encounter, meanwhile. Splashing the cash is no panacea. Someone please tell our politicians.