Like many people, I detest the New Year; everyone seems to be on detox diets that involve drinking ten gallons of green tea mixed with seaweed; gyms are full with overly enthusiastic new members promising to treat their bodies as temples; the weather is bad, and, of course, the transfer window opens. A fan of any other club would greet this with the promise of some adventure and added drive for the second half of the season; Arsenal fans, meanwhile, having been shorn of every full-back available will get no such luck. Wayne Bridge on loan anyone? Really? No? I didn't think so either.....

Our recent loss at Fulham highlighted the current full-back problem. The ability to use width as a natural outlet when under pressure was negated by an extremely good second-half performance from the Cottagers, who pressed our un-natural full-backs. Djourou is no right-back while Coquelin, although having a competent game, tended to drift inside to his midfield position during the 90 minutes, to such an extent that I recall Song screaming at him to return to the wide left of defence. Perhaps the only positive point is that those around us continued to drop points; Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea all had indifferent festive periods. Without doubt, the most consistent team in the second half of the season will claim the Champions League places.

I have just read that Henry has officially signed on for a two-month spell at Arsenal. While not repeating my mixed feelings on this from my pervious article, I should add that his presence will hopefully provide a boost during the early months when, over the past few years, our form has declined. Better yet, February will see the return of Sagna and Wilshere. As they return to fitness, they will be fresh and eager to drive AFC forward. Jack's comeback from injury is much needed, as our midfield seems to be wading through mud at times. Ramsey looks tired - let’s not forget that this is his first full Premiership season - while Arteta and Song lack the creative spark we have missed since Cesc left and that Wilshere can replace.

Would you pay Walcott £85k a week? His form has slipped in recent weeks, and the next 20 games will decide for Wenger and the fans whether he was, and still is, worth our patience and a new contract. Had we dropped points at home against QPR, I feel that he would have had to shoulder some of the blame following his missed attempt on goal in the second half. It undermines his desire to play through the middle, whilst, possibly in the very near future, The Ox will be taking his place.

Anyone else looking to see a front-three pairing of Walcott, The Ox and Henry? No particular reason for this other than how Walcott was supposed to be Henry's replacement, whereas The Ox actually has the technical skills to match his pace, meaning that he is probably a closer clone of the King than Theo......

Isn't it funny how vocal Spurs fans have become? I still believe that they will falter badly, so much so that I have a bet with work colleagues, which, if all goes according to plan, will win me breakfast, a Thai meal and a bottle of whisky come May.

Monday sees the visit of Leeds at home in the FA Cup. A potential banana-skin but also a chance for the likes of Benayoun, The Ox, Coquelin, Miguel (who I think is being benched for his mistake at Man City) et al to give the boss some selection headaches. I see a win with some usual hairy moments along the way courtesy of the likes of Squillaci, Djourou and Almunia (yes I think he will play!).