A scoreless draw at Ninian Park in the FA Cup means a extra game in an already packed schedule for Arsenal. Manager Wenger was quick to Cardiff and there defending, but it was obvious to all that this was simply a ploy to deflect attention from a poor performance by the Arsenal.

No doubt that Cardiff worked hard defensively to keep Arsenal from scoring, what Wenger failed to point out though is that Cardiff is a championship team who, given our talent and resources, we should win against if we play to our standards.

Keiran Gibbs, another from Arsenal left back factory.

It is the norm for lower league teams to go the extra mile when they come up against top opposition, usually though the gulf in class shows, except that it didn’t show yesterday.

Of course the fact is we didn’t lose the game — adding another notch to the not losing streak — a replay at the Emirates is not in itself a bad thing for both clubs, not to mention the fans. Cup games are an opportunity for a lot of fans to get to see their team. It will also mean another £3m in the coffers.

Ah! I see, it was just a ploy to raise the extra money to buy Arshavin. In all seriousness we were poor in most areas of the park yesterday, with the usual culprits making it to the hall of shame.

Eboue - Clueless! The yellow card was a tad harsh, but try as he might Eboue will not make a good midfielder, why can’t Wenger see him for what he is, a good right back.

Ramsey - He is talented as the next guy, but clearly he is not ready to start in matches such as yesterday’s. Holds on to the ball too long and his passing needs to improve a lot.

Diaby - The enigma that is Vassiriki Abou Diaby – continues to confound, one game brilliant the next game rubbish. Yesterday was the next game.

The rest of the team was not more than average, Van Persie was his usual brilliant self. Bendtner worked hard, one of his better games. The central defence was as usual insecure and indecisive. Sagna’s crossing was atrocious, Nasri was Ok no more. The goalkeeper was competent.

Two players that did well, or better than expected was the ever impressive Gibbs and Alex Song.

I know Song isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but yesterday he showed a glimpse of what can be. With Ramsey and Eboue contriving to give the ball away at every available opportunity Song was the one who was always there to mop up. He was strong in the tackle, sensible with his passing and his positioning was top notch. It wasn’t the greatest performance ever, but it was the best I’ve seen from him.

Keiran Gibbs another from a seemingly perpetual line of leftbacks, for someone who was converted to the position so recently I can only remember him being trouble in the position once and that was probably he second or third time he had played a first team game as leftback. A great job by the youngster.

Having rested some of the regular first team players, I hope we don’t repeat that level of dross against Everton. If Wenger thinks Cardiff’s defence was first class the wait till Wednesday when he comes up against Everton and their 4-6-0 formation. A win against Everton is a must, if we are to stay in touch with the title chasing pack.