That was clear today, that a world class player comes in, not fully fit and totally changed the game with a fantastic 27 minute cameo. Up until Fabregas’s introduction I felt we were comfortable in the game with looking dangerous on the break but one moment on world class brilliance changed the whole tempo of the match in Arsenal’s favour.

For 60 minutes the defence looked comfortable, midfield controlled and managing to snuff out the majority of the danger from Arsenal and Gabby and Heskey combined well to cause problems. However it is clear to really make the next step up we need to find what I call a game changer attacker and we lack that. Carew will never be that against decent teams and Young when he has an off day like today leaves us with little creativity.

Problem is those players are few and far between and cost the Earth and unlikely to sign for a team outside of the current ‘Sky 4’. With the games coming fast then young being suspended with a few others on the edge will stretch the squad and I would like to think in the winter transfer window this can be resolved.

So we have to start a good run again and Liverpool on Tuesday (snow permitting !!) provides a very good chance to get back on track again. At the halfway point in the season we are 4th, we have played well at times and a defeat should not mean all is wrong but rather point us to where we need to get to