Fourth Draw in a Row, Chelski next!

Man U's win over Bolton at home in midweek would put the Gunners 3 points behind. Even Chelski will pull level with the Gunners in their next match if they win. All these has been the "rewards" for Arsenals inability to score goals and win those games that mattered most. Drawing for the FOURTH consecutive time has dented hopes and it does not help that our great rival has hit peak form going into the end of the season (again)!

Chelski had been the dark horse in this race but they have been winning ugly to keep pace. Despite their off-field problems, manager Avram Grant would be delighted to take back the Premiership crown to Stamford Bridge. Not many gave Chelski much chance after Mourinho left, even though their squad costs more than the rest outside the top four, combined! If they would win this again, it will only be because of their owner's financial influence and not because they had great, club-groomed players to show for. That to me was the start of the invasion of takeovers rapidly engulfing the BPL which, fortunately Arsenal has been resilient against.

Almunia (6/10) - Had one chance to cement his place and he fluffed it! Only shot on target and he was given no chance. Old-boy Aliadiere's close-range volley from a Tungay's left-hand cross left Almunia flapping thin air. I wondered if we had, say Artur Boruc instead, would the goal have been saved...

Gallas (7/10) - Joined in the attack for much of the 2nd half to try and help break down the 10-man Boro defence. Didn't have much to do defensively but was solid when called upon.

Toure (7.5/10) - Back from injury and was the scorer of the equalizer. Was perturbed seeing him celebrate when I wanted the team to get the game restarted asap, but at the same time glad that he scored. Like Gallas, he joined in the attack and helped to break down the stubborn defence a few times.

Clichy (Senderos) (7/10) - His runs down the left caused problems for Boro. Was unfortunately caught by Mido's raised studs late in the 2nd-half on his head and had to be replaced. Sendy came on but didn't have much to do defensively.

Sagna (Bendtner) (7/10) - Coming along nicely in his first full season. Showed more confidence in taking on defenders and could have scored a nice solo goal in the first half. Bendtner came on to add more attacking options up front but did not impress. Had a couple of headers that went high or wide.

Flamini (7.5/10) - Flattuso was everywhere and covering every blade of grass as usual. Solid performance in midfield, despite the slippery Emirates surface which caused problems for everyone.

Cesc (7.5/10) - Was one of those games where he played well but gained nothing from it. His trademark incisive passes and crosses were largely wasted by the forwards in this game. Could have scored with an open header but it clipped the post, out of reach of Schwarzer.

Eboue (7.5/10) - One of his better games. Caused problems on Boro's left flank with his dribbles and pace. Earned an unnecessary yellow after the final whistle for protesting too much to the referee after 4 mins of extra time was blowned before Arsenal could take a final and potentially critical cornerkick.

Hleb (7/10) - Realized how his trademark dribbles and passes could be handled if the opposition put men on him. Had moments of brilliance but was well shackled by the Boro defence. Showing more aggressiveness in his game now.

RVP (Walcott) (7/10) - Today's match showed what an almost match-fit and rust-free RVP can do. His presence gave Arsenal even more dimension in their attack and he is capable of bringing the ball up from midfield if required. Can't wait to see him back to his best and give us 20-odd goals! Walcott's pace and dribbles turned the Boro defenders inside-out but his crosses really need working on. If he is to be employed as a winger, he needs to put those chances across really well.

Ade (6.5/10) - A continued poor form coupled with being man-marked out of the game has left the big African wondering what hit him. Whenever the ball reached him, 2-3 Boro defenders would be on his neck. Ade really needs to understand that opponents know what he could do to them and change his play quickly during the game. Only real chance was a goal ruled offside, after Boateng had deflected RVP's pass to an already offside Ade. AW asked the referee how was it offside and all he was told was that as long as a player intended to pass to an offside teammate, a deflection would still rule him out. All the Professor replied was that he learnt something new today..

Overall (8/10) - One of those good performances with nothing gained. AW said that drawing would not guarantee the title and he asked his team to keep the spirit and focus. I felt we were unlucky not to get all three points, seeing how we overran Boro. Even Southgate said that Arsenal deserved more from the game but was unsurprisingly happy with taking four points from the ex-league leaders this season. I do not normally criticize referees in my blog but it was definitely inept and inconsistent refereeing in this match and it didn't help Arsenal's cause in their pursuit of the title. And couldn't he have allowed Arsenal to take that final cornerkick?!

With Chelski coming up next away and Man U away (not forgetting taking on Liverpool twice in the Champ League and once at home in the BPL), I can only hope Arsenal give a Milan performance in all these matches if they are to overcome our three great rivals because anything less and we would be ending the season with alot of promise but nothing to show for.. *sob*..