Arsenal stay top as Fergy mental problem remains

By Andy Strouthous
October 30 2004

I had also warned that Arsenal could not afford to sit on a narrow lead. However nothing should detract from a spirited Saints performance. They did enough to deserve not to lose.

They were also hit harder by injuries than Arsenal.
They defended in numbers but also made their own chances. Once again Arsenal failed to deal with dead ball situations. Saints felt that Henry's goal was offside but TV replays show it was a good decision by the linesman. Arsenal were also awarded a debatable penalty in the first half, but Henry hit the post, having beaten the goalkeeper.

Just as it looked as if Arsenal were about to lose two on the trot Van Persie came on as substitute, with 11 minutes to go, scoring in injury time. He then missed a sitter in the last minute. Arsenalcould have won.
Chelsea are the main benefactors, as Fergys mental problem with Wenger saw him fail to build on his historic world shattering victory of last Sunday. Portsmouth once again proved their nemesis.
But lets forget the hype there is a long way to go yet, the league is never won or lost in October.
Meanwhile Arsenal fans better hope that November has not started early.

After the game Wenger criticised the defence for not responding to two dead balls - no one he said jumped for the ball.He believed we should have won, but not losing had been very important for morale.