The one position that Arsene has never really had problems with is left back. Inheriting Nigel Winterburn was a good start and since then Silvinho, Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy have all been consistent regulars. Add to that the competence shown by the deputies – William Gallas, Lauren and Mathieu Flamini – and the potential of Armand Traore, that consistency is undiminished. Yes, they have bad days but over the course of their spells in the position they have formed an admirable barrier to opponents on that wing. Of all of them though, Clichy has the potential to be the best, the most complete player.

Defensively he still has a bit to learn but such is his recovery speed that he is able to make up for positional deficiencies quickly. This season though, he has added improved support for the midfield to his armoury. Indeed, the only thing he has yet to bring to his game is chipping in with four or five goals a season. If he does that, he will probably be hailed as the best left back in the business.

Arsene was understandably pleased with the Fulham performance, highlighting the performance of the midfield,

Rosicky is more of a Pires-type and Hleb is more for me a guy who attracts people to the ball, and then slides it through. Alex looks like he always slows the game down to speed it up again. He is more of a dribbler and a passer, whereas Tomas is more of the guy who is in the flow of the game, a little bit similar to Pires.

High praise indeed and it seems that Hleb is at long last getting the universal recognition that his performances deserve. The skill has always been there and appreciated within the ground but television does not allow you to see the work that he puts in. This season, he has added goals although his return has dropped in recent months. Indicative of the consistency of his performances is the speculation linking him with an improbable move to Barcelona; the better they play, the more they are coveted.

William Gallas spoke of the inspiration that the younger players give,

Everyone wants to win at least one trophy this season and all the young players are very focused about what they have to do. We know Manchester United are strong, and we know Chelsea are not far behind so it will be difficult for Arsenal to be champions. But everyday when I go into training I love to see them play, because they are all so young and enthusiastic. I enjoy talking to them and advising them when something is wrong. I want them to enjoy every game and I want them to be champions at the end of the season because it is good to be champions when you are young

You cannot argue with that and one has to commend Gallas on his captaincy which has seen a transformation in him. It probably helps that compared to last season he is relatively fit, only missing one spell through injury.

Ahead of the Tottenham game, Arsene has noted that the squad is a bit thin with the current injuries and absentees – Toure and Eboue have their opening ACN fixture this afternoon – which will mean some of those on show on Saturday will be playing,

The players who were on the bench will play, but I will have to play one or two who played against because we are short in numbers

I suppose that either or both of Gallas and Senderos will be turning out whilst up front Eduardo or Walcott will partner Bendtner. To be honest, I would prefer Eduardo due to current form with Walcott on the right and Diaby the left. More information later today, I suspect.

‘til Tomorrow.