How to silence a noisy neighbour

We played 4-5-1 yesterday and it was spot on. Now whether it was out of respect for Tottenham or simply due to Ramsey's unavailability, is another issue entirely. All I can say is that we played far better and more convincingly than we'd done in a long time. At a time when we were chasing the game, the formation transited into 4-4-2 as Theo occasionally played in front of RVP

The foursome of Arteta, Song, Rosicky and Benayoun were a delight to watch as their combined energies made Tottenham look ordinary at times during the course of the match. Even their goals were against the run of play, one a lucky deflection and the other a questionable penalty that was converted. I can't remember any other clear cut opportunities Tottenham had. We were that dominant.

Could Arsene have stumbled on a blueprint to success with this team? That remains to be seen in our remaining games. If we play with the same team and same level in the return leg against AC Milan, we could make it a real contest...same team, less walcott that is.

Theo was the fifth in the five man midfield but he struggled initially as the game was tighter as he is wont to do in those circumstances. In the second half as they needed to get back in the game and they left gaps in their defense, it played to his advantage. That is why imo Theo should not start games where the opposition will pack the bus, but could come in as impact sub when we are leading or the opposition's defense is tiring. We have natural replacement in Gervinho or Alex.

Overall it was a humbling display to our neighbour and a clear cut statement that, yes we might be having a difficult patch right now and yes they might occupy a spot ahead of us in the league (for the time being), they still have a lot of catching up to do.