Villain Turned Hero: Arsenal 1-0 Portsmouth

In the space of three days, William Gallas has gone from villain to hero for Arsenal. On Friday, his unnecessary tackle on Aston Villa's Agbonlahor which resulted in a penalty ultimately ended up costing us the match when it turned the tide towards Villa. But now today a confident and determined header from the very same man won us the match, and he is again a hero.

It's hard to keep track sometimes of all the vital goals that William Gallas scores for us. Yes he's moody, sometimes silly in defense, and was a less-than-perfect captain, but he's our best defender, and sometimes our best attacker. I simply cannot understand the cries of "sell him" from so many gooners. He's experienced, can be superb, and often comes up with match winners like today. Isn't that in essence what we need right now?

But getting back to the game, I have to say thank goodness for Gallas's goal, because we really weren't looking like winning it otherwise. Our play was flat, we lacked some creativity, and it wasn't until late in the game when the game stretched and Carlos Vela came on that we created a great deal. I feared we might be lacking today, and it turned out to be true, but thankfully a good set piece bailed us out.

It was a nice win in the end; it's good to remember what a win feels like, and I'll be happy to take a good old one-nil to the Arsenal any day if it means all three points. The win moves us temporarily back into fourth, and we can end the year on a high note as we prepare to start 2009 in the right way.

2008 has been a tough year for us, as we went from favourites to win the title last season to underdogs to finish fourth this. But perhaps with some new personnel and some new inspiration, coupled with a string of good results, 2009 can be the year in which we finally again win a trophy.

I don't haver much more to say today: a win is a win. It wasn't pretty but it was three points and that's all we need. Don't forget, you can get now all the Fab 4 Arsenal news and views sent direct to your mobile phone for free, please Click Here for details on how to try out this great service! Until next time,

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