Leyton Orient 1-1 Arsenal; doing things the hard way...

Or, as it's now affectionately known as, the Arsenal way. The reaction to yesterdays game has been, by in large, over the top. But that's what to expect from the minority of gooners these days, sadly.

The surprise was that young Ignasi Miquel (not Meeeeeeegwell) was handed a start next to Seb Squillaci at the centre of defence. I thought he was very good, looks very comfortable on the ball and size is certainly on his side. Could quite easily be one of our main centre backs in a few years time.

Alex Song was the only survivor from the Barca game, and he and Denilson didn't really do much to note. Tomas Rosicky was handed the creative berth ahead of those players, and he had an alright game. I've stated on Twitter, that I don't believe he is good enough for us anymore. Despite scoring and playing okay, I stand by that. He's fine to bring on last 10 mins or so. Great. Giving him a crucial role in this Arsenal side? Not for me. That's not to say I don't support him. By in large I do my best to support any Arsenal player. My opinion is that he's no longer good enough for us. We've stood by him for 18 months when he was injured, and we're not seeing the faith repaid I'm sorry to say.

His goal was lovely though. Nicklas Bendtner's dinked cross was powerfully headed into the corner by the Czech. 1-0 just after half time. We had a few chances to double our lead, Rosicky failing to hit the back of the net and Arshavin rattling the outside of the post. Other than that, we didn't really create much. Arsene Wenger, and quite rightly in my opinion too, didn't make any changes. We should of seen the game out. However, the Orient striker wriggled past Miquel and Gibbs and fired powerfully past Almunia. Opinion is divided whether or not Almunia should of saved it. On first viewing, I thought our keeper should of had it. On multiple viewings, the shot was hit at such speed that it was difficult to stop. 1-1 it finished and back at the Emirates for round two.

That's the FA Cup. The scenes after the game, from an Orient point of view, were heart warming. They celebrated the replay as if they'd won the thing out right. We now have a bit of a fixture congestion, but good teams win games frequently and regularly. That's what we must do.

The winner of this tie goes to Old Trafford to face Man United. We have alot of big games coming up. Time to make our season!

Thanks for reading.