Van Persie 47, 84, Gray 49 (og) – Divers: none

I didn’t get to see this match, unfortunately. From what I read on other blogs, you either had to be at Ashburton Grove or subject yourself to some insaniac Spaniard who streamed the match from his home with full puppet accompaniment. I got tired of looking for torrents for the match around 8pm here in states and then caved and went to Arsenal.com for the result. First time this season.

So, from what I gather, the performance wasn’t stellar, but certainly got the job done. 3-1 is a nicer result than we’ve seen in a while. The squad seemed a bit threadbare, but by no means was it reserves only. WuTang Fabianski has apparently been given the FA Cup matches for the year. Mikael Silvestre went off with an injury and will be out for three weeks. Kieran Gibbs came on to replace him at the half hour mark. With Denilson & Song out (injury & suspension) Aaron Ramsey put in an appearance in midfield alongside Abou Diaby. It’s good to see Aaron getting a full match.

We went 0-0 at the half and then came out and Robin van Persie got himself a brace and some Plymouth fellow poked one home for us while Niklas Bendtner gave him a poke in the hindquarters. Plymouth managed a goal of their own not long after the restart, but from all reports, remained mostly toothless.

So, we’re on to the next round in late January and we’ve drawn away to Cardiff. I know even less about Cardiff than I do about Plymouth. Should be great. I guess. All I know is the Pond Life drew Manchester United away, where they will receive a thorough bowel cleansing… one way or another.

Next up in the Premier Leaugue is Bolton at home. A solid win there and we should start seeing some old injured faces return shortly thereafter. I hope.