What did we learn from yesterday’s games? That plenty of teams will be as to compete with each other, and this season will be a tough one because of the money in the Premier League improving the quality of a lot of squads. 

Spuds drawing to Leicester, United being frustrated at home, this season is already shaping up to be one of surprises. How on Earth we lost to that West Ham team after their defensive display yesterday against Bournemouth is beyond me. They were all over the place and even Carl Jenkinson had an afternoon to forget. 

Today’s games will be interesting though, because I think the two favourites for the league will show us the difference between the rest of the league and the elite. I fancy wins for both City and Chelski and I think they will demonstrate what you need to be the best in the division: consistency.

People talking about defeats costing the girls are way off, given the competitive nature of the league, so whilst I’ll be hoping for a West Brom and Everton win I’m not holding out much hope.

A win tomorrow will be more of a psychological victory rather than a significant one, which is what is important at this stage in the season, because it allows you to gain momentum. That’s what early season is. It’s a chance to get a run going so that when you reach the halfway point in the season you’re not playing catch up. Picking up big wins like City did against Chelski only strengthens the possibilities of that run extending and it will be the same with us, because when you play the mid-table or bottom-placed teams, it’s that confidence and belief fostered from big games that can give you an extra 10% belief and sometimes that’s what gets you over the line in terms of three points when you’re not playing great.

Arsène’s been talking up Alexis’ role in the team and making comments that the player is getting even better is enough to make any Gooner a little moist. This is a guy that bagged 25 goals last season and sometimes carried the team on his back in some games, yet Le Boss thinks he’s got more to give? Yes please, I’ll have some of that, with a side order of French fries, thank you very much.

The fact that Arsène said in his pressed on Friday that Alexis is essentially fully fit now, is the most joyous and perfect news we could have received ahead of a big game. His wonder goal against Liverpool earlier this year still probably gives Mignolet nightmares. If we can get a similar performance to that day, tomorrow, then we’ve already got the upper hand. 

Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that he can produce.

Anyway, that’s all I have to give today, as I have to go off and do some ushering at a wedding.

Have a happy Sunday.