We gave the game away. They had 3 shots on target... Defensively we were not at the level we have to be

Yeah so disappointed that we had no drive that game, no incision. Gibbs and Ox were our best by far. Not going to slate Giroud for that miss, it was the most difficult opportunity he has had so far.


Fuck Gervinho seriously. Yeah yeah he scored a goal idgaf, he really adds nothing to our play. No vision, and runs in circles. Giroud needs to start ahead of him.

on the performance...
I feel we played against a good team, but we gave the game away. They had three shots on target and scored two goals, from soft set-pieces. Defensively we were just not at the level you have to be in a game like that, which is where we were punished today. For the rest, we have shown quality and spirit but we have to show more personality and authority on the goals we conceded.

on leaving Mertesacker on the bench...
That is a decision which was based on the opposition we played. You can say it was a wrong one maybe, but I believe [that statement] is a lowering the quality of the players who played, they are internationals.
If you do not play Koscielny or Vermaelen and cannot win the game, you will ask me the same question.

on Chelsea's first goal...
We did not attack the ball, on either goal. The difference between Chelsea on set-pieces and us was the way they were in the air - it was obvious today.

on Arsenal's mentality...
I would not say that, it is just on the day when you play at home you do not expect to concede two set pieces. That puts us every time on the back foot. We played two big games in a week, and it is difficult.
Every time you are behind in a big game you have 65 per cent of chances to win the game. We came back last week and did so again today, but then straight away gave away another goal again. It is impossible because you have to take all the risks and open yourself up. You play against good players and they can hit you on the counter-attack. That is where we were not at the [right] level.

on Giroud's chance at the end...
It was a top chance, and Cech kept them in the game as well on many occasions. he had an outstanding game.

on John Terry being allowed to play...
Yes, I had no problem. I do not want to interfere in that, I expected him to play. If the rules allow it why not?

on a possible over-reaction to the defeat...
Yes, maybe, but we have to deal with that. I can completely understand people's opinion, what is important is the personality you show in a big game. That is where is some areas we were not at the [right] level today.

on rotating central defenders...
Nobody can play all the games, it is simple.

on being 16 years in charge...
I never look back, I always look forward. I looked at today's game and look at the next game. It is not easy, it is never easy.

[size=6]John Terry's prehistoric language falls on some deaf ears, at least[/size]

John Terry has become accustomed to being shunned by his fellow professionals during the pre-match handshakes, what with Wayne Bridge and Anton Ferdinand having pointedly ignored protocol when confronted by the Chelsea captain in recent times.

But before Terry's first match since being found guilty by an FA independent regulatory commission of using racially abusive language towards Ferdinand, Arsenal players did not bother snubbing the ex-England international.

Nonetheless, one creature did still feel like registering his disdain: the Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus extended his paw to Terry as the teams lined up before the game and then, as Terry went to shake it, pulled it back in, leaving Terry's hand dangling in the air – although Gunnersaurus had shaken Terry's hand earlier, when Chelsea arrived. It says something when even dinosaurs deem your language unacceptable.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/29/john-terry-handshake-arsenal-chelsea?cat=football&type=article

Cazorla is a superb footballer and I think Arsenal have got a real diamond. However much they got for Cesc Fabregas, £40 million or whatever it was, they have managed to replace him for less than half the money.

I am a huge fan of Cesc, but I honestly don’t think there is anything between the two of them. They’re both top Spanish internationals — and Cazorla will be a truly great signing for the Gunners. Probably the best one any side made this summer, in my opinion

We now go into a very important run before we play United away. In the league we have West Ham(Away), Norwich (Away), QPR(Home). Really, we need 9 points in those before we go to Old Trafford, and if all goes well should get those 9 points.

Worth saying happy anniversary to Arsene, 16 years in charge today.

Amazing stat, even if he lost his next 100 games as Arsenal manager he would still have the greatest win% of any Arsenal manager in history.

We'd be very lucky to get 9 points from those three games.
Not getting my hopes up that high.

'arry used to be a Highbury regular apparently.

I'd like to see Santi given a break sometime. He's only a small Spaniard in his first season in English football, it could well take its toll later in the season.

'arry used to be a Highbury regular apparently.

Good point, maybe give Arsh a chance in his best position?

The goal we conceded? That's down to me. We'll try to correct it.