Gooners discover the full potential of the Emirates

ARSÈNE WENGER’S vision for the Arsenal’s future was instrumental in the development of our 60,000 seater, concrete, glass and steel Gooner cathedral.

After waiting almost six months to the day, since the birth at Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial back in the summer, we finally got to wet Wenger’s new baby’s head on Sunday. In the presence of the Premiership’s high-priests, we witnessed the sort of dramatic encounter that was akin to the new ground’s christening, communion and confirmation all rolled into one.

This was the sort of historic stuff that will begin to lend our new home an illustrious legend all of its own.

However while I’m sure this season’s marathon still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve, I don’t think Sunday’s triumph will have an impact on the ultimate destination of the domestic crown.

There were aspects to United’s performance which only confirmed their title credentials; in the long run they might well end up benefiting from this defeat.

I didn’t think much of Evra when he came on as a sub against us at Old Trafford, but he’s beginning to look the Premiership part and in Vidic, Fergie has finally found a partner for Ferdinand, of the sort who gives the heart of the Utd defence a solidity that hasn’t been seen since the days of Bruce and Pallister.

To my mind there was only one team who couldn’t afford to lose on Sunday. This was epitomised in the build up to our first goal, in the way Fabregas and Rosicky refused to concede possession to Scholes and Evra on the edge of United’s area.

And yet it was both sides fear of losing which prevented the sort of smorgasbord of wizardry that some were hoping for, as both sides grafted their socks off, often canceling each other out. Although I was blaming our groundsman early doors, as instead of the slick sort of surface that suits our passing game, the ball appeared to be sticking in the puddles which had resulted from his over zealous pre-match watering.

My hope began to disappear down the same drain when Rooney struck. I envisaged us being caught on the break by a sucker punch, as we threw caution to the wind chasing the game. Earlier in the season and against less despised opponents, we’d have probably settled for a point once we’d scored the equaliser.

However for the first time on Sunday we discovered the full potential of 60,000 Gooners, as we refused to accept a draw and drove the team on, raising the decibel level beyond anything we’ve heard at the new gaff to date.

The subsequent discovery of Robin’s metatarsal injury was the only dampener on an otherwise magical afternoon.

It was wonderful to demonstrate an ability to grind out a win, even without the aid of such experienced campaigners as Gilberto and Gallas and when some of our most talented stars struggled to influence the game.

Apart from the likes of Adebayor, Clichy and Flamini (at least as far as his defensive duties were concerned), there weren’t many impressive individual performances.

I know Arsène praised our captain’s all round contribution, but as far as I can recall Titi ended up with the Man of the Match champers, in return for a sum total of two headers. But then who cares, so long as the guv’nor keeps conjuring up last minute winners.

The shoe will be on the other foot at White Hart Lane tonight. Aside from the fact that Spurs will be desperate not to be embarrassed by our reserves, the semi-final of any competition is a big deal for our neighbours.

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