Then there is the theory that AW doesn’t want to scupper the chances of the younger players getting first team opportunities which is admirable and I for one have longed for the day when we actually have a few players competing for places in the England squad again.

Congratulations to  Kieran Gibbs who was completely unfazed by the occassion last night and was one of England’s best players in the second half. Unfortunately Jack Wilshere didn’t really have enough time to show what he could do coming on with only 10 minutes to go.

I would also hate to see us become a buying club making wholesale changes season after season and simply paying whatever it takes to get the next ‘star’ player who will transform the team from average Joes to title challengers only to see the ‘team’ become a collection of ego’s and starnames rather than a capable solid unit (team). It isn’t the Wenger way and I am glad of that however the sad truth is that if we had that relatively minor investment a couple of seasons ago things could have been so very different. Song was a revelation in the holding role last year with his power and energy but does he need help and do we need  more cover/options ?

This is the bit where I have become unsure.  I  find myself in two minds as to whether the need is there anymore with so much young talent available…but potential is one thing, stepping up to the mark is another and the question is do we take the gamble that one or more of these lads will sieze the opportunity ? The biggest frustration for me during these years of financial constraint disguised as “project youth” has been the reluctance of players to take their shot and prove their worth.

We have seen Frimpong have a great couple of games in the Emirates cup in the holding role and this certainly gives us hope for the future along with Eastmond and Lansbury who could also provide alternatives to the obvious purchase of a ready-made player but we have been teased with such promise before. A two-game friendly show-piece is a totally different ball game from the week-in week-out battles of the premiership.

Whether the fear of failure or the lack of desire or purely not being good enough has restricted some of the young players in the past I dont know but does AW gamble again on so much potential or buy a more mature player to help bring these lads on? Personally I prefer the latter, IMO the young players at the club have had to hit the ground running and this is why many have fallen. As good as they are they would be better if they had the opportunity to learn from more experienced players whilst ultimately striving to take the position for their own.

Its been said many times but over the years we have released too much experience too readily and left the apprentices to learn their trade for themselves.  Sol proved in a small way last season what a difference an older head can bring to the game and to me unfortunately I’m going to be sitting here at christmas hoping AW will bring in a CM in the January sales again!