So let’s start with the football. Job done at Burnley, even if it didn’t produce a convincing display. I’m scratching my head to remember when Arsenal did last play really well in the FA Cup, and I’d hazard a guess it was in the Invincibles season. There was some marvellous football at Bolton last season, but the number of missed chances there still haunts me to this day.

Anyway, a couple of memories that did return were of the FA Cup Final 2005 and the run to the Champions League final a year later. This was because Lehmann was in goal, with Toure and Senderos in front of him, shielded in turn by Gilberto. How times have changed in that three of these players are no longer first choices, whilst Kolo won’t be appearing again until the latter part of February.

Memories of Carlisle’s Richard Prokas’ challenge on Patrick Vieira in 2001 and Sunderland Dan Smith’s on Abou Diaby in 2006 – neither punished with the justified red card – returned with the sending off of Burnley’s Kyle Lafferty. It’s only right that these type of challenges are outlawed as if the offender connects with the player, serious injury can result. Just ask Diaby who more or less lost a season of his career as a result. Granted the victim is not always hurt – some are lucky. Does that mean a lunatic taking pot shots with a rifle in a shopping centre should be let off if he doesn’t hit anybody? Intent is everything here. Or wrecklessness if you prefer to give the benefit of the doubt. Both mindsets deserve red cards and I am pleased refs are now getting strong on these challenges.

There were greater dangers outside the ground for Arsenal fans. The Neanderthal behaviour Gunners’ followers have come to expect at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane thrives in Burnley. No mention of this in the press, but what follows is an excerpt from an email received at onlinegooner yesterday…

“Had a bit of trouble up in Burnley yesterday... they were slapping any Arsenal in sight after the game. Luckily I can still run fast! It was like going back in time... and not only the place... Christ on a bike, their lot were up for it.

Went to use the toilet in the cricket club (where Arsenal were drinking before the match) after the game whilst my mates walked on to the car. Walked right into a baying mob of Burnley who then charged at us when there were enough Arsenal in shirts in the car park. Pretty certain that Bazo ‘half kits’ got slapped. I only just evaded it myself before cowering like a big girl next to another mate’s car (who seemed to find it funny - all very well for him as he was inside the thing!!!). Everyone jumping into cars and locking the doors with me stood outside like a lamb to the slaughter

There was also a minor ‘off’ before the game as well but the old bill got that wrapped up pretty quick. Unfortunatly a few Arsenal got turned over before the riot squad arrived.”