Even Arsene is human. Like yours truly when we “played” against Spuds in the Carling Cup, Mr Wenger has retracted his statements as “excessive” in response to Taylor’s horrific tackle on Dudu. However, I think there was some truth in what he said to old Jonny Pearce post-game, as really it was a matter of time before something like this was going to happen.

With the style of football we play, and the way teams set up against it, it wasn’t long before one of our players would be on the receiving end of such a tackle. And although I don’t know much about the career of Martin Taylor, I am surprised the incident came from a player who is not a blatant dirty scumbag like say, Joey Barton, but from a guy who seemed genuinely concerned in the immediate aftermath. Let’s just hope that Eduardo can play again in the red and white, and as soon as possible. Not only for himself, but for the sake both Adebayor and Bendtner, who clearly cannot play together.

I don’t know whether it’s still as a knock-on from the Sh*te Hart Lane incident, or whether its because they play a similar role (target men who often start their contribution to attacks with a knock down relatively deep), but it simply does not work. Some may say that if it was Cesc of Hleb supporting the same way Bendtner did yesterday, Ade would have squared it, but I’m not so sure. Since hanging around the top of the goalscorers charts this season, Ade has shown a selfishness which sometimes we need in a striker, and in fact relish, especially in his form, but at St Andrews was excessive. At worst, he could have at least looked at Bendtner, fooled the keeper then gone alone anyway! The sooner Van Persie is back, the better I say, as after Walcott’s contribution against Birmingham, I think he’s sealed his fate as a winger!

And Gallas’ reaction at the end? Yes, it wasn’t the most captain-like behaviour in the world, but I completely understand it. Without knowing why he reacted like he did (was he angry at Clichy, the ref, himself?) it is hard to draw much from it, but in my opinion, it at least visibly showed his ever-present desire to win, and reminded any fans questioning the player’s passion for the club that he too has a passion for Arsenal, and a passion to win.

Chin up Gooners, keep the faith.