by Matthew Stapleton
What I admire about The Arsenal is that despite the age - and as most punters are keen to point out, the inexperience of our team - despite the constant criticism and discontent from some sections of the club fan base, despite the lack of big money signings and the ‘lack of a Plan B’ as some may say, our team manages to always be there or thereabouts.

After watching Liverpool’s defeat to Lille last night in the Europa Cup and comparing their performance with that of The Arsenal on Tuesday night, I would not be disappointed if we again won nothing this season because there is evidence of growth, development and maturity within the club while other clubs are in decline.

I have seen players like Eboue come from being booed off the pitch less than a year ago, to being hailed as genius by sections of The Arsenal faithful.

I have been critical in the past of some of the club’s signings, not because they lack ability but because they have, in the past, failed to raise their game to match the occasion.

I listened to Arsene after the Porto game saying that he wouldn’t mind facing either Manchester United or Chelsea in the next round. To be brutally honest, I would. I don’t think we’re yet at that level, but we are not far off.

My ‘man of the match’ on Tuesday was Samir Nasri, and very few would disagree. Not because of the goal, but because he raised his game. I saw a bit of him on youtube before he joined the club when he was being touted as the next Ronaldo. I have looked at his performances since joining the club and realise he is far from that. He has a few tricks, mainly stopping the ball and changing direction, but he’s never been brave enough to drive at players and get at the heart of teams like Pires did. I thought that he was a bit too hesitant for the English game, and this has shown because most of his goals have come in Europe and against teams that aren’t so eager to tackle or get in his face. In time I hope he may become more adventurous.

He did, however, step into the breach left by Cesc’s absence and performed exceptionally well. In a season where, unlike our main competitors, we have been without our main goal-scoring threat for large parts combined with a host of injuries which has meant a number of players have had to play in other roles, we have seen the wisdom of Arsene’s insistence on total football and the ability to play a multitude of positions. This philosophy has paid dividends and is why, despite crushing defeats to our two main rivals, we are still in the hunt both domestically and in the Champions League.

In ending I hope that this is a new beginning for Samir, Theo and others. I hope that they can rise above the criticism and have the last laugh.