A season that was pricked at Birmingham finally deflated completely after a slow but comfortable afternoon against Fulham reserves. Boring though.

There was the unfamiliar stench of Spurs breath closing us down for third place coming into a game that should have had nothing riding on it. It should have been an end of season stroll. It soon was.

Fulham were kind enough to play their reserve team with more important things to worry about in the week. Their generosity stretched to the unrested Schwarzer catching Arsenal-keeper-itis and gifting us the opening goal after 20 minutes. Poor touch. Arshavin dinked past him and, from a tight angle, chose to ignore the better positioned Van Persie to score a goal which has been owed after all his off field talking, or non talking... If he'd have missed, RvP might have aimed some strong words of his own the Russian’s way. Bit greedy.

After my Van Persie 1st goalscorer pre Blackburn and Arshavin before this game, it’s proof that reading here can make you money.

Walcott just about managed to set up Van Persie for the second goal, which he finished from close range after his first effort came back off the bar.

If we didn't have Fabianski in goal that would have been third place secured, but we do. The Arsenal side closing this season needs a bigger winning margin before being able to call a game won. The Pole wasn't any more encouraging in dealing with those dreaded crosses, though he did catch one (promise) and a clean sheet should help him sleep a little better.

The game was all but won when Theo again troubled down the right. His final ball once more failed to meet its exact desired destination, but Chris Baird was on hand to add the finishing touch, which was nice of him. Fulham were proving to be the most welcome of last day visitors.

We were playing some nice stuff at this point. Orchestrated by Van Persie, whose performance and touch at times reflected his very Dutch programme notes. "I love the game and the ball loves me too. I have no secrets with the ball". Clogs. RvP found Eboue whose back heel slid Theo through once more. A natural goal scorer would have headed straight for goal. Theo's first thought was to look for a pass and avoid the responsibility of shooting himself, which he had to then do, pulling his effort well wide. Confidence?

Ashburton then went to sleep, waking briefly for the return of Djourou and Lansbury. There was also the return of Vela's Carling Cup finishing as he put the season to bed whilst Spurs returned to type by throwing away a two goal lead at relegated Burnley.

Champions League? Qualification round.

Apparently, over in West London, there was some sort of Russian funded party, where God had rewarded the cheats of Cashley and Terry with the prosper of Championship glory.

With Cesc talking of "putting things right next season", let's hope the addition of at least a keeper means we can hold our own party next May. It's been too long.