November 2006. A cold Craven Cottage sees Cesc Fabregas rested and a rare Premier League start handed to Alex Song. The Cameroonian was poor. The team traipsed off at half time 2-1 down, passing the large away following before entering the tunnel. The young midfielder was singled out for blame, the recipient of some terrible stick. Wenger followed shortly behind, urged ferociously to replace the cousin of Rigobert with Cesc. Wenger duly obliged for the start of the second half, but the Spaniard could not reverse the fortunes of a stuttering Arsenal.

The game was lost and Alex Song was written off as an Arsenal player by the majority of fans, who would've happily packed him off to wherever it is Alberto Mendez and Stefan Malz sit and reminisce over just how lucky they were to have played for The Arsenal.

Thankfully, Arsene really does know better than most. A loan spell at Charlton rebuilt Song's shattered confidence and a successful African Nations the following year only added to his self belief.

March 2010. Song just keeps getting better. Immense against West Ham both in central midfield and when called upon, at centre half, he has become vital to our chances of collecting silverware. His performances go from strength to strength. In a team full of small, nimble, attacking players, he offers us a physical presence. His outstanding ability to read the game, win the ball and give it to our more creative players has become a crucial cog in our team’s mechanism.

Another target of the boo boys has also been reborn, with Emmanuel Eboue reminding us of his fantastic form that same year Song was targeted. Again, many would have showed him the door after his diabolical showing at Wigan, but I'm sure the same people are delighted he stayed. The encouraging support for Bendtner after his Burnley shocker suggests attitudes are changing, for the better.

We are coming close to the end of a period in our history where we have been financially restricted. Arsene took the route of blooding players young, hoping to reap the benefits when they peak. Such a strategy was always going to lead to youngsters having the odd shocker, but the importance of Song some three years on from the barracking at Fulham suggests he was right all along.