Life's such a Pitch

So, we didn't exactly set the new stadium alight in our very first official league game at the Emirates. And the first official league goal was scored by the opposition - dear old Olaf doing ever so well against us yet again. Gilberto equalised late on from a van Persie flick thanks to some good work by our young Engerland international Theo Walcott and the opener with the Villans ended 1-1.

We can certainly roll out the excu reasons for the lackadaisicalness in full view of a worldwide audience-cum-media eager to see how Arsenal will play in the new stadium: WC hangover, injuries to key players, the annual case of the unsettled star player, old age, etc. Or we can say that despite a new ground, things haven't really changed that much - this Arsenal still struggles to break down determined, defensive sides.

There are positives, of course, especially the sparkle that young Theo brings to our game the moment he came on. He has very recently scored for the U-21 side - on his very first cap and making it into the record books as the youngest Engerland U-21 scorer too. This boy does look special and there is no better expert at polishing rare gems than Arsene so things seem pretty bright there. Let's hope and pray that it will turn out to be another Tone rather than Cashley example.

And at the time of writing, our friendliest of neighbours across town are having it real tough away from home - yup, spuds are 2-0 down at Bolton with 10 minutes or so to go. No, I'm not gloating. Of course not! Heh.