Gunners Open 2007 With More Drama

Yes, I'd like to see Arsenal putting away the likes of Fulham with ease, but a win is a win. Arsenal took Fulham 2-1 with a shocking last of regulation winner from Alexand Hleb. I saw the game on replay and while they should've never been down to Fulham, they did well to get the win.

They were in the position of coming from behind thanks to the idiotics of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

The veteran had earlier made a complete hash of an attempted return pass to the defence, striking the ball against his left leg and gifting possession to Healy, who slotted into an empty net for a first top flight goal.

Wenger said: "First of all, I was surprised he had made the mistake.

"He's an experienced keeper and you want to deal with your first ball.

"Jens changed his mind, but wasn't quick enough to respond to his brain. He lost his co-ordination."

Wenger added: "Every goalkeeper can make a mistake. He made one. If you are an outfield player you are not punished, but you are in goal."

The Professor is being careful because Lehman is his guy for the season and he's a tempermental sort, but he's got to know that the standards for keepers are different. If Jens were a Red Devil, he'd be done with this sort of muck-up.

Alexander Hleb. Wow. He looked like someone spiked his oatmeal. He played with real pepper and looked to get some shots. His game-winner was outstanding; a real effort to receive the ball and then turn and fire in space. Cesc was great as usual. He really missed having Gilberto, who I hear we won't see until September!

We didn't get enough of RVP, but Jesus, that PK was hit with a bit of pace. Wouldn't have been surprised to see it go through the back of the net. I believe flames were coming off the ball, it was hit so hard. And yes, the PK was rightly called. Arsenal should've had one other, and maybe a third, but that's the way it goes.

I liked Nicholas Bendtner. Didn't kill me with flash and flair, but the boy looks like he knows where the goal is. All in all, a good start. Theo showed a little, in the few minutes he was in. I love his pace. But he's still clearly maturing. If he'd cut inside the defender on his run, he would've had only the keep to shoot on.

Alright, the season's on. The Gunners got the right start. I'm excited to see more Arsenal matches.