Chelsea test was always going to be a bridge too far

IN the absence of the spine of Arsene Wenger’s side (Van Persie, Fabregas, Vermaelen, Walcott etc), the Gunners gave a creditable account of themselves on Sunday.

However after only six wins in the past 33 games against our two greatest nemeses, the resulting downsizing of Gooner expectations, meant that it was hardly a bombshell to find ourselves trudging away from Stamford Bridge with nothing to show for our efforts.

I adore Arsene Wenger. When you consider the parlous financial predicament of so many other Premier League clubs, our manager has achieved a minor miracle in maintaining the club on an even keel, keeping us competitive whilst constantly serving up sumptuous entertainment, despite the upheaval and the millstone of massive debt necessary to finance the new stadium.