20th March 2010, FOOTBALL: Arsenal 2 West Ham United 0

This was a chance for us to return to the top of the table, if only briefly, and was a match that looked set to do just that after only five minutes when Denilson played a lovely one-two with Bendtner before placing it neatly around Rob Green. However, the 'goal difference' game that we were hoping for never materialised. We looked a bit like we thought we'd won it already and, despite a few half chances, never really threatened to increase our lead. Then, in first half injury time, a ball was sent over the top for West Ham's Franco to chase. Side by side with Vermaelen, the Mexican went down. Penalty, and as Vermaelen was the last minute, a by-the-law red card. There were no complaints at the time and it looked fair enough from where I was sat, but replays have since shown there was precious little contact between the players. Diamanti's penalty though, was saved by Almunia. See! The guy can save a shot. And we were bloody glad he did. A man down in the second half, we put in a fantastic performance once Wenger replaced Bendtner with Diaby and sealed the points at the death with a Fabregas penalty after Upson had handled. Alex Song was outstanding in midfield and as a makeshift centre back, Denilson put in one of his best performances, Campbell was immense and Diaby won so much of the ball in the second half, we almost dominated. A really good game and, for once, a good atmosphere inside the Emirates. Bit of a worry that we'll be without Vermaelen away at Birmingham on Saturday though, especially if he plays Silvestre.