“…Can't wait to see your article next week when we kick your soft southern (sorry foreign) butts all the way back to the E******s”.

“TFG ... May I speculate that this is THE F***ING GIMP!!! Another deluded Arsenal Fan ... When Fabregas f***s off to Barca ur left with nothing, which you should be getting used to by now!!! 7 years and counting is it??...”

“…I presume if you manage it we will spot you at Elland Road due to your big red shoes, squirty flower and curly wig as you surely are the prince of clowns.”

“The margins between the Premier League and the Championship were shown in a harsh light at Elland Road, a gulf that passion alone is rarely able to bridge.”

The first three comments were taken from responses to my last article, posted here on 11 January. The last is an extract from the match report following the replay at Elland Road, posted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, whom I should thank.

It is nice to know that someone couldn’t wait to see my next article, so to that unnamed contributor and all his sensitive friends, I dedicate this piece.

Let me start by highlighting that without Kasper Schmeichel, the replay score line would have represented a rout. I doubt that he would thank you for your apparent xenophobia. I do not intend to dwell on that; nor to revisit previous allegations concerning his father’s supposed outburst at Ian Wright.

Typical of the rapier wit which I was treated to, was the TFG speculation. It is only polite to thank you for thinking of me and to admire your finely honed, barbed comedic genius; against which I have no desire to compete. For avoidance of doubt, it is indeed since years since Arsenal last won the Premier League – coincidentally, the same period since which Leeds United fulfilled a fixture in the top flight. I trust that Leeds fans have nothing to complain about after their last game against Arsenal – perhaps for some time – the coffers were generously bolstered and any distraction provided by the FA Cup curtailed.

I have to say that I enjoyed the “prince of clowns” repost – although on that basis, quite what “JKS” would have written about Peter Ridsdale, I shudder to think.

There is one accusation that I will not flinch from conceding. As several people quite rightly suggested, I made an entirely stupid gaff in mentioning “two banks of four”. Hands up and thank you for the correction – that’s what sometimes happens when pieces are written on the journey home from a game; but no excuses. I would also say, before I am accused again of imbalance, that Bradley Johnson’s strike was worthy of winning any game. However, as for the repeated charge of arrogance, I would direct those who took umbrage at my comments to the extract from their local paper.

I would reiterate what I said first time around about lower league opposition – Arsenal should resolve to confirm their ascendancy early in the game, rather than have to rely on late goals to salvage parity. Of course, a late goal is no less valid than an early one – but this replay illustrated how an early goal can provide a foundation for comfortable victory.

Over the two games, nobody can fault the effort or attitude of the Leeds United players. There were some decent performances, but ultimately, the better team prevailed. To be fair, it is an apparent lack of similar endeavour which has troubled Gooners assessing the aftermath of several poor results – a malaise which Ipswich took full advantage of. My concerns over the game at Portman Road proved well founded, but if the performance in the second leg is akin to that at Elland Road, I remain confident. Quite how Arsenal managed to be so abject in the first leg is difficult to understand or accept, but with their pride stung, they responded at Leeds. Further embarrassment should not be required to stimulate a collective will to win, after some of the painful recent defeats: M. Wenger should remind his charges of that.

Prior to playing Barcelona in mid-February, we have a number of games which afford an opportunity to build momentum. They are also exactly the type of games in which attitude and a desire to get the job done will be as important as technical know how. Between the two Champions League games is a potential Cup Final and within close proximity, a possible FA Cup quarter final. Whilst taking each game as it comes, we must hope that if there is disappointment in the Champions League, it is met with redoubled determination to not let the season pass us by. Displays at West Ham and Leeds have suggested that this team can raise its game, but there have been repeated instances of a “response” forthcoming apparently on time delay, after consecutive failings.

Importantly, a settled back five will significantly increase our chances of success. Arsenal.com is currently running a poll, asking which of the Polish ‘keepers fans would prefer as number one if both were fit. I am convinced that Wojciech Szczesny should keep his place – whilst also noting greater defensive solidity in the absence of Sebastien Squillaci. We miss Vermaelen, without doubt, but Djourou and Koscielny are forging a decent partnership. Beyond those three, the options remain unconvincing. If we can address this properly before the close of the transfer window, it would be greatly comforting. Of course by then, we could be looking forward to Wembley and possibly a repeat of the heroics of 1993.

In both 1993 finals, the winners were scored by unlikely heroes. Steve Morrow and Andy Linighan may not have been first choice, but as “squad players”, they stepped up to the plate when it mattered most. Again, the following season brought memories of stubborn resistance against Parma, a great strike by Alan Smith and sheer refusal to be beaten securing a famous win in Copenhagen. That night, at the final whistle, our midfield included Ian Selley, Steve Morrow and… Eddie McGoldrick! Compare and contrast with the circumstances of the 2000 UEFA Cup Final.

It is perplexing that professional footballers should require extensive cajoling to perform. Certainly, some players will have a crisis of confidence periodically and this should be addressed, as should a lack of work rate – I cite the case of Andrey Arshavin. With an increase in application, I sincerely hope that he will be able to rediscover his obvious ability.

Perhaps the culture in the modern game has changed, cosseting these wealthy young men into a detached unreality from those who fund their lifestyles. That said, if Manchester United – who are (somewhat previously) being lauded as “Invincibles” – have any shortcomings, they do not include a reticence to graft. As “Redexpress” suggested, with the final word in the comments referred to previously:

“I think the main arrogance comes from the Arsenal players who take games like this too lightly. It's just a case of "turn up and win" to them. That’s why I won’t take any games against Leeds or Ipswich for granted.”

The last few games have mapped the highs and lows where such accusations have been levelled. We now head towards the business end of the season: the team still personifying the very essence of Jekyll and Hyde. Here’s hoping the incentives of winners’ medals at Wembley and Champions League football are sufficient to engender focus for the remainder. Should Arsene Wenger be prepared to add some proven quality to the squad prior to the end of January, so much the better.