The Gallas is half full

As if there was something wrong with being undefeated at home (including a victory in the Champions League qualifier against Zagreb), Arsenal put to rest the media fuelled impressions that the club have struggled to settle at Emirates with a hard earned 3-0 victory against Sheffield United.

On Match of the Day, Arsene Wenger even suggested that the bigger pitch served to tire the United resistance as there was more pitch to have to defend and track the Arsenal movement.

Quite.

"We've broken our duck". Now let's move on. Ta.

Like many Gooners, I was slightly concerned about how William Gallas would fit into the side. It's very well known that he caused waves within the Chelsea camp about wanting to play in his favourite position in the middle of defence. And yet having sent Ashley Cole over to West London to secure Gallas, Arsene Wenger then asked Gallas to slot into the left of defence. I worried that his quick change of number from 3 to 10 offered unfortunate insight into a problematic mindset but having seen Gallas play so well at leftback for the club my concerns have eased.

Gallas has quickly shown why Chelsea got so upset about losing him. He's got everything. Absolutely everything. With the value added traits of being both French and boyhood mates with Thierry Henry. And for such a young side, his experience and leadership at the back has been an immense addition for us.

It is still odd to see Gallas play for us but not in a bad way. Its weird to see him line up against Manchester United for us... and for us to keep clean sheet at Sold Trafford.

I have been impressed most by his composure and assured passing. Yesterday, the Emirates became increasingly agitated as the match drifted into the second half. That sinking feeling of being dragged by a resolute defence into an annoying stalemate began to grip the stadium, when Gallas romped forward to be met by an Henry cross and a Fabregas touch and struck his chance with the calm resolve of an experienced world class striker. Not bad for a leftback.

With the news Philippe the Senderos is closer to a competitive return than initially thought, the Arsenal defence is beginning to look not just solid but world beating. Let's be clear, bringing Gael Clichy, Lauren and Senderos back into the side surely makes ours the best defence in the country and in fact, given the array of talents the group provides, probably the best in Europe. Non Gooners laugh when I say this... forgetting that we went 10 matches without conceding a goal in Europe last year and had a better defensive record in the league than Manchester United last season in spite of our struggles away.

And we've now added William Gallas to the side.

Quite.