Dutch mishap failed to Hammer points home

CONCEDING a last minute equaliser against AZ Alkmaar might not prove to be a major calamity in the greater scheme of things, but I was hoping it might serve as a lesson for our young side. However the infuriating way in which we casually frittered away what might prove to be a couple of decisive points at Upton Park on Sunday would suggest that the Gunners gleaned little from our mishap in Holland.

With both Spurs and Man City dropping points, it was all looking hunky-dory at half time, as we’d suddenly been presented with a rare opportunity to establish some breathing space between us and the dogfight that appears on the cards: the challenge for a Champions League spot.

We might only be talking in terms of the odd point, but psychologically, it could make a big difference for the Gunners to be perceived as being involved in a battle between the top three, leaving the likes of Liverpool, City, Spurs and Villa to play inconsistent leapfrog amongst the also-rans..