The importance of the point on Sunday at Anfield will hopefully be of great significance come next May, which not only tells you how long the season actually is, but also indicates that peaking too early is never beneficial. Certainly the first half was dominated by our midfield pressing Liverpool, it was the aggressive style needed and hinted at in pre-season comments by players: the great pity was that bar Vermaelen's effort from a free kick, we did little to trouble Reina.

The second half was much more difficult to watch, especially following N’Gog's great finish, with 10 men Liverpool looked stronger, helped by Arsenal's insistence on trying to pass through the midfield rather than use width. For all our possession only Rosicky's chance and an unfamiliar howler from Reina (karma for putting the Barca shirt on Fabregas - many thanks football gods!) can be mentioned as real turning points. However a point at Anfield should not be sniffed at, while the majority of our performance especially defensively looked on the whole ok.

The lack of penetration and sharpness in the final third can be put down to our best attacking players being absent, lacking match practice or simply having a bad day, however Koscielny and Chamakh coped well on their first real introduction to Premiership football. Koscielny especially showed good qualities and was unlucky to be sent off; highlighting our lack of depth in central defence which the club needs to address with some urgency now.

Many including myself were horrified to read on the club's official website that the number one at Anfield would be the first choice for the season going forward. Almunia's fault for the goal was debatable, however overall his lack of technique in handling crosses indicates he is once again an accident waiting to happen and at some point will cost us games this season. Put simply he lacks basic skills. I fear that certain vocal sections of the club's fans may turn on Wenger when this occurs. One can only hope that Wenger is waiting to tie up the Schwarzer deal without burning his bridges with his present custodians. Incidentally the extension of Wenger's contract is welcome news, lets hope the next four years will see quality additions to the team and the trophy cabinet, now that our financial position has been improved.

So onto Blackpool, a game I am attending and very much looking forward to, as in the past few seasons we have had a reputation for being flat track bullies especially at the E******s. RVP should play a part although how he and Chamakh will fit into the 4-3-3 formation is a mystery to me. Judging by the lack of penetration in the final third, the return of Cesc will also be much appreciated.

So, an unspectacular start to the new campaign, and unbelievably the questions and weaknesses still remain from last season. Fingers crossed a defender and a worthy number one are signed before 1st September... otherwise I feel our wait for a trophy will not end.