Yesterday marked the closing of the transfer window, something we Gooners have come to fear/put all our hopes into. In past years, we've made some rather stunning purchases, but alas, the most obvious one of the entire summer never came to fruition. Call it what you may, from Wenger's intransigence to perceived failure of the higher-ups to nab his transfer targets, the purchase of a quality goalkeeper which the majority of fans thought was an obvious necessity never materialised in quite underwhelming fashion.

For most, Fantasy Football is a study in the methods used to reap the biggest points return for ample use of funds allotted. Supporting a particular club sees a conflict of interest arise as most fans subconsciously pick players from their clubs as the building blocks of their fantasy squad.

I'm writing this article just having watched Arsenal beat a spirited Portsmouth side 4-1 to take us within 4 points of Chelsea and further cement our place in this interesting title race. We played very well against a team that are rock bottom of the league and are involved in a seemingly public financial situation.

Arsenal face Stoke in the FA Cup this Sunday, with many suggesting that the tie will be a tight affair. The BetFair lads have been discussing their views on the game. Check out their thoughts below:

Arsenal's injury crisis looks like it's starting to fade with the news that Nicklas Bendtner and Samir Nasri will return to the squad to face Aston Villa tonight. Danish striker Bendtner returns after three months out with groin trouble, while Samir Nasri has shaken off his hamstring injury earlier than expected.

After an incessant pre-match build-up and the universal awareness of the importance of Sunday's game, Arsenal again failed to deliver on the big stage this season. We have already sat through losses to Man Utd away and Chelsea at home while we were fortunate at best to come away from Anfield with three points.

After an incessant pre-match build-up and the universal awareness of the importance of Sunday's game, Arsenal again failed to deliver on the big stage this season. We have already sat through losses to Man Utd away and Chelsea at home while we were fortunate at best to come away from Anfield with three points.

Arsenal have finally revealed what the 2010/11 away kit will look like.

The Gunners brand-new yellow jersey is meant to 'reflect their past' bringing the club back to its Woolwich Arsenal days.

‘Victoria Concordia Crescit', which translates as ‘Victory Through Harmony', can be found on the reverse of the club badge while redcurrant shorts and yellow socks complete the look.

Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he is fully focused on playing for Arsenal after committing himself to the London club for another year, ending speculation over a possible move to Barcelona.

The midfielder, who attended Arsenal's Members Day yesterday, had been widely believed to be moving to the Nou Camp where he started his career, with a succession of Barca players encouraging him in public.

Arsenal's much anticipated Premier League campaign begins this Sunday with a trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool. The fixture is the perfect chance for fans to wet their appetites ahead of a long season for Arsene Wenger's new-look outfit.

The Frenchman promised experience would top his summer shopping list, and he didn't dissapoint.

Yesterday marked the closing of the transfer window, something we Gooners have come to fear/put all our hopes into. In past years, we've made some rather stunning purchases, but alas, the most obvious one of the entire summer never came to fruition. Call it what you may, from Wenger's intransigence to perceived failure of the higher-ups to nab his transfer targets, the purchase of a quality goalkeeper which the majority of fans thought was an obvious necessity never materialised in quite underwhelming fashion.

This past Saturday's 4-1 drubbing of Bolton Wanderers was a good test for the squad in this new campaign. No one needs to be lectured about the boorish tactics which a majority of boss Owen Coyle's side employ. I suppose the x-rated challenges by Cahill, Davies, and Robinson could be discussed, but that dead horse has already been well and truly beaten.

Last night's 6-0 drubbing of Portuguese side Braga was Arsene's proteges at their very best. Of course, many pundits have been quick to nullify Arsenal's performance and classify it as a case of weak opposition, but the adage that there are no weak teams in this stage of the Champions League nevertheless rings true.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will again use the Carling Cup to give the world a glimpse of the club's future by blooding his youngsters. The competition has been used by the Frenchman in the past to educate the likes of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere on the demands of first-team football.

Arsenal 0 Newcastle 1

The Emirates, a stadium that holds 60,355 seated football fans. The second highest in the league behind Old Trafford. Probably the most modernistic stadium in the league, construction of the stadium began in February 2004 and was officially opened in October 2006.

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger are not unfamiliar with some of the best youth players in the world.

And although they are typically heavily criticised for such a paradigm of thought when it comes to player selection, their youthful exuberance, creativity and entertainment-value is a bench-mark that most clubs can only dream of achieving.

Social networking site Twitter has become exceedingly popular with Arsenal's footballers in the past few weeks. Skipper Cesc Fabregas was the first notable player to sign up, before fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere and others followed just days later.

Almost 10 first team players are 'tweeting' currently, with some Gooners suggesting that Arsenal should follow Manchester United's stance on Twitter by banning their players from it.

Saturday's 4-2 win away to Aston Villa was a chance for the squad to prove their mettle in the absence of their captain. Players such as Rosicky, Nasri, and Wilshere were given more responsibility in the centre of the park. Yet, what was most comforting was the apparent return to form of dynamic Russian Andrei Arshavin.

Earlier this week Tuttosport's prestigious Golden Boy award was given out to supposedly the best young player in Europe. Mario Balotelli scooped the prize, which is voted on by journalists from across Europe to recognise the most talented under-21 player on the continent, beating Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere who came in a close second place.