No Defenders? No Problem.

Arsenal 1-0 Man Citeh

With Gallas going out last week, Djourou on loan, and Senderos getting injured in warmup, Gilberto was a last minute deputy centreback. Then early on right back Sagna went off injured, so Flamini, a midfielder, was forced to play right back for the first time {he did play deputy left back 2 years ago on the magical run to the Champions League final}.

So with only 2 defenders and 6 midfielders on the field, as well as the backup goalkeeper, Arsenal still managed to not only keep a clean sheet but also beat Citeh 1-0 on a late winner from Cesc Fabregas. A game that Arsenal would not have won last year, plain and simple. They didn't play especially well, and Citeh were dangerous, but in the end Arsenal didn't play well but still won, always a good sign for a good team. Interestingly this was the first 1-0 to the Arsenal at their new Emirates Stadium.

6th with 7 points from 3 matches, and a game in hand that if won would launch them to the top of the table.

Most importantly, Arsenal's defense have yet to truly concede a goal, as both goals thusfar were the result of you-had-to-see-it-to-believe-it howlers from Mad Jens of North London, who may not be getting his job back for a while.

Sparta Prague tomorrow and then the return of Kanu on Sunday, as well as the rest of the Arsenal-turned-Portsmouth crew: Sol Campbell, Lauren, asst. manager Tony Adams.

No more injuries please...