An interesting sense of perspective appeared yesterday on Newsnow, perhaps by accident, possibly on purpose, one could never be sure with computers. A mind of their own or just a bunch of technophobes at the helm. It’s the same result.

The Hamhigh’s preview of April’s visit to Newcastle appeared on the roll and made interesting reading. Malcolm MacDonald’s insights proved to be rather more perceptive than anything a Setanta pundit could offer – no names, no pack drill. Oh, alright, the drongo known as Tim Sherwood (I just should not let people like him get under my skin but hellfire, he did) and although at a still relatively young stage, this season is starting to bear some fruit as far as Mr. MacDonald’s predictions go,

But for Arsenal it has been ultimately a poor season – and that is what you get when you play with kids

So far, so stereotypical. Remember though, Supermac was talking about last season. He goes on,

For the past four months, I have been saying this side will win the title very soon. What has happened in the past six weeks has not changed my mind at all. Wenger is building an absolutely fabulous side. They will learn from games like last week’s defeat at Liverpool. There has been criticism from some people who should know better, but all I ask of the fans is that they sit back and take a look at the bigger picture because the future is very rosy.

It’s a blip this season. Manchester United will probably win the title. They are having to make hay this season while the sun is still shining for them, but that sun over Manchester will soon be blocked out by these extraordinary young men who are improving all the time at Arsenal

Only history will judge whether or not he is right; certainly, his peers in the punditry profession disagreed and continue to do so. One can only hope that he is correct in his assertions for if nothing else, the opening third of the season deserves some silverware as reward.

History will also judge Arsene Wenger. In the context of Arsenal, there is no room for any doubt. He will be perceived as big an influence on the club as Herbert Chapman. It is impossible for anyone to say that he has had more of an influence, nor that he has had any less of one. In differing ways, they changed the club; at this moment in time, we can only hope that Arsene’s changes survive and are not dismantled by a successor who does not believe in similar methodologies.

Something that annoyed me this weekend is also preying on the minds of others; the behaviour of Jens Lehmann at half time on Saturday. The decision to sit on the bench during the interval reminds me of an incident involving, I think, Neville Southall, when he opted to stay on the pitch feeling frustrated at the performance of himself and his colleagues, sitting in a goalmouth rather than listening to his manager.

Lehmann’s petulance irked me. Irrespective of his own feelings towards his current situation, Lehmann should have been in the dressing room listening to his managers’ words, taking on board comments over tactics or whatever else Arsene wanted to get across. Had he been called into action in the second half, he would have been unaware of what was expected of him in terms of distribution, etc. It was totally unprofessional.

However, contrary to what others say, and what you are possibly expecting, I do not think it should be the end of him as an Arsenal player. He is still a good goalkeeper; he dropped two absolute rickets and lost his place – a more politically correct injury you will never come across in your life. He has not one ounce of respect for his colleague who replaced him; indeed Almunia says he is happier now they do not speak.

At this moment in time though, there is not a better ‘number two’ in the Premiership. There is a proviso to that observation. It only applies if Jens head is in the ‘right place’. If it is not, then so be it and release him. There is no point in keeping him if he cannot be bothered, particularly in such a specialist position.

For all of the charade that he has put forward about being disrespected by his manager, he knows he cannot regain his place at the moment because his ‘successor’ has been part of a team that is undefeated in the League. Lehmann needs to come to terms with that and fast otherwise the memory of him at the club as the ‘keeper of The Invincibles is going to be clouded by the petulance he has, and continues, to display.

A quiet Monday, which is perhaps just as well, for I have received a book over the weekend to review and judging by that which I have already read, it ought to be a ‘must-have’ for your list to Santa.

’til Tomorrow.